Hospitality Business Analytics (Ph.D.)
Today’s technology improves services, creates efficiencies and generates vast amounts of data. It’s no surprise data science has become a key domain of inquiry and activity in the hospitality and travel sectors.
The Ph.D. in hospitality business analytics program provides advanced training in data science as it relates to the hospitality industry. Students are prepared for highly demanding careers in academics and research or industry.
Program Highlights
Our program draws on the resources and faculty expertise available in the University of Delaware’s Lerner College and its Department of Hospitality and Sport Business Management and Institute for Financial Services Analytics, as well as UD’s Data Science Institute.
Our faculty conduct in-depth research in various areas of study that apply to hospitality business analytics, such as revenue management, digital marketing, finance, customer experience management and human resources management. The program emphasizes analytics, which is possible because our faculty has access to the large amounts of data being generated by information and communication technologies in the industry.
As a student in this program, you will experience high-quality instruction through a curriculum that includes courses in hospitality business, analytics and methodology, research and seminars. You also have the option of enrolling in the master’s in hospitality business management (thesis track) to solidify your foundations before progressing to the Ph.D. (progression to the Ph.D. from the master’s is contingent upon submitting a separate application and meeting the requirements of the doctoral program).
Hospitality Facilities
The Department of Hospitality and Sport Business Management has two living research labs on campus: the Courtyard Newark at the University of Delaware and Vita Nova, a gourmet student-operated/managed restaurant.
Program Requirements
Applicants admitted to the hospitality business analytics Ph.D. will have completed the requirements for a master’s degree with at least three years of managerial experience in the hospitality, tourism or related industries. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees will also be considered under exceptional circumstances with demonstrated excellent academic credentials and rich industry experience at the managerial/executive level.
For the most accurate and up-to-date degree requirements, visit UD’s course catalog. Under the Department of Hospitality and Sport Business Management, select “Display Programs” to find your degree and view course options and sequencing.
Career Opportunities
In today’s information economy, a clear need has arisen for individuals who are skilled in managing and analyzing information in the hospitality industry. From forecasting and probability assessments to harnessing information for strategic financial decisions and everything in between, hospitality business analytics professionals are in demand. Popular fields include:
- Revenue management
- Digital media & marketing analytics
- Financial analytics
- Customer experience management & analytics
- Human capital analytics
Contact Us
Zvi Schwartz
Professor and graduate director
zvi@udel.edu
+1-302-831-6077
Jennifer Riegner
Academic program coordinator
jriegner@udel.edu
Admissions Information
We accept students every other year, in the even-numbered years. The next cohort will begin in fall semester 2026. Learn more about hospitality business analytics Ph.D. admissions requirements, deadlines, tuition and financial aid available to you.