Eligibility

With the exception of those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from our undergraduate program, students interested in applying to the PhD program must already have earned a master’s degree from an accredited university or have earned a master’s degree from an accredited university before matriculation. Competitive PhD applicants demonstrate a combination of strengths, such as:

• A competitive GRE score or GMAT score of 700 or higher
• A top-10% class ranking in bachelor’s and master’s study with no failing grades
• Prior coursework in statistics, economics, and research methods
• A clearly articulated career objective focused on teaching and research
• A record of published hospitality papers or articles in relevant journals or trade publications
• Experience in teaching and research
• Two letters of recommendation

Once you are admitted, your committee of graduate faculty members will advise you on which courses you should take to fulfill your PhD degree-program requirements.

How to apply

Applications for the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in hotel administration are available online through the Cornell University Graduate School.

Application deadline and admissions timeline

Applications and all supporting materials are due by December 15 for the following fall term. PhD programs begin in August. 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.
• Submit a GMAT or GRE test score. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.
• Submit transcripts from all prior academic institutions attended.
  • 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.