For those considering the M.S. degree, please do not apply to the professional Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) program.

Application deadline and admissions timeline

M.S. programs begin in the fall term, starting in August. Applications and all supporting materials are due by December 15 for the subsequent fall term. The Admissions Committee will review all completed applications and invite the strongest candidates for personal interviews with members of our graduate faculty.

Application information

• Submit the graduate program application form to Cornell’s Graduate School by December 15 for the subsequent fall term you wish to enroll.
• Include a personal statement by describing how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, it should provide insights into your potential to contribute to Cornell University’s core value to provide a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.
• Include an Academic Statement of Purpose.
• Submit the application fee with the online application.
• Submit a resume or CV that includes a detailed description of dates and specific duties performed for each job.
• Arrange to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or GRE (Graduate Records Examination). A GMAT or GRE test score is required. Have your GMAT score report sent to Cornell University Graduate School using the institutional code 5811, or your GRE score report sent using the institutional code 2098. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.
• Transcripts from all prior academic institutions attended are required. Please upload a PDF copy of transcripts from each institution, including any at which you are currently enrolled and/or from any institution from which you have received or will receive a degree.
• Students who have completed degrees outside the U.S. are encouraged to review their degree eligibility by submitting an evaluation of their transcripts that provides the U.S. equivalent of the credits earned (for example, by the World Education Services). If your transcript is not in English, please submit an original copy as well as an official and certified English translation.
• Submit at least two original letters of recommendation. One letter should be from a college-level academic instructor, and one should be from an employer or professional reference.
• Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement required by the Graduate School.

Eligibility

The M.S. degree in hotel administration is exclusive, highly competitive and exceptionally rigorous. Successful candidates come to the Nolan School with outstanding academic records, and typically possess both research experience and a working knowledge of the hospitality industry.

M.S. degree application information

Students interested in applying to the M.S. program must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university. Competitive MS applicants demonstrate a combination of strengths, such as:

• An exceptional academic record, with a rigorous curriculum, top-10% class ranking, and no failing grades
• Research experience
• A competitive GRE score or GMAT score above 700
• Compelling applicants to the MS program will demonstrate strong quantitative skills and English language proficiency.
• If your secondary school transcript includes examples of quantitative coursework you are welcome to include that in your application as well.
• Relevant hospitality experience
• A well-articulated statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation

Since the M.S. is designed for students pursuing an academic career in teaching and research, most M.S. students subsequently apply to a Ph.D. program. Your graduate faculty advisor will decide which courses you should take to complete your M.S. degree program to best support your academic plan. If your bachelor’s degree is not in hospitality management, your advisor may require some of the core courses of the MMH as part of your program.