Applying to the M.S. in Hospitality Business Management

Application Deadlines
All associated, required application documents should be received and ready for review by the application deadlines.

Fall Semester

  • Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis
  • To be considered favorably for financial aid: December 15
  • International Students – Last date to submit a fall application: June 1
  • Domestic Students – Applications are accepted up to one week prior to the start of the semester.

Spring Semester

We prefer that students enroll in the fall semester. However, depending on the background of the student, we may occasionally admit in spring. Please note that decisions on financial aid are made in the fall semester only.

Admissions Requirements

1. Application Fee

A $75 application fee is due when you submit your online application.

2. Bachelor’s Degree

A four-year bachelor’s degree in any academic field from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. If you have a three-year non-U.S. degree, you may request a review for determination as to equivalency.

3. Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework are required with your application. Do not mail official transcripts during the applicant stage. An English translation must accompany transcripts issued in a language other than English.

4. Resume

A resume or curriculum vitae that documents your prior work experience, publications, honors and awards received and a summary of your educational credentials.

5. Prerequisites

Well-qualified applicants will have:

  1. A good academic record (GPA of 3.0/4 or equivalent)
  2. Strong written and oral communication skills
  3. Strong and relevant work experience
  4. Strong analytical and problem solving skills
  5. Demonstrated intellectual interest to study, collaborate and participate knowledge building

6. GMAT/GRE Optional

GMAT/GRE Test scores are not required for either the 1 year non-thesis or 2 year thesis options.

For the 1 year non-theses option, our typical applicant has the equivalent of a 4-year US Bachelor’s degree, a 3.0/4.0 GPA with strong analytical and quantitative coursework and at least 2 years of relevant professional work experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

For the 2 year thesis option, our typical applicant has the equivalent of a 4-year US Bachelor’s degree, a 3.5/4.0 GPA with strong analytical and quantitative coursework followed by at least 5 years of relevant professional work experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

If you wish to strengthen your application you may take, at your option, the GMAT/GRE. As we update our application system to reflect that GMAT/GRE score are no longer required, if you are opting not to take the test, please use 01/01/2025 as a future test date in the test section of the application so we are aware that you will not be taking the exam.

7. Personal Statement

A personal statement or essay addressing your professional and academic achievements that will help you succeed in international business.

Your personal statement should answer the questions:

  • Why do you wish to pursue your graduate studies at the University of Delaware?
  • How will an M.S. in Hospitality Business help you achieve your goals?

8. Three Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation forms are emailed directly from the online application to the three recommenders whose names and email addresses you provide. Instruction for returning the completed forms is included in the emails.

9. Interview

You may also be required to pass a formal interview. Interviews may be conducted in-person or on Skype if necessary.

Tuition and Fees
All tuition rates and fees are for 2023-2024.

Tuition

Delaware residents* $920/credit
Non-residents $1,028/credit

* Visit the registrar’s website for residency requirements.

Fees

All graduate students are responsible for mandatory fees in the Fall and Spring semesters. These fees vary based on whether a student is taking the program on a full-time or part-time basis. Please visit the Graduate Fees and Financial Aid page in the Graduate Catalog for full details.

Financial Aid

Full- and Half-Assistantship Awards

Full or half assistantships are available to qualified candidates based on skill sets and competitive standing. The full assistantship award includes a stipend of $22,660 and full tuition payment for the fall, winter, spring and summer semesters. In addition, the student will be eligible for reduced costs for medical and accidental insurance. The stipend carries with it the responsibility of working with faculty on research and technical assistance projects for 20 hours per week during the academic year. Half assistantships include a stipend of $11,330 over the same term, and a half tuition payment. Work requirements for half assistantships are 10 hours per week during the academic year.

International Students
The University of Delaware is an ideal place for a great education in a global atmosphere. As an international student, you’ll join fellow students from over 100 countries. Nearly 30% of all the University’s graduate students and approximately 44% of the Lerner College graduate students are internationals.

English Proficiency Requirements

As an international applicant, you must demonstrate your ability to communicate in English by doing one of the following:

  • Submit a TOEFL score of 90 or higher,
  • Submit an IELTS score of 7 or higher,
  • Provide proof of having earned a college degree in a country where English is the primary language, or
  • Apply through the Conditional Admission Program (CAP)

The Graduate & Professional Education office provides more detailed TOEFL information on its test scores page.

Conditional Admission Program (CAP)

The Graduate Conditional Admissions Program (Graduate CAP) provides international students acceptance into the program without the need to take the TOEFL exam. After completing Graduate CAP at the University of Delaware’s English Language Institute (ELI), you begin your graduate coursework at Lerner.

Services for International Students

UD and the Lerner College offer many services to help you, both in class and out.