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Home > Programs > Master’s Programs > Hospitality Business Management (M.S.) > Applying to the M.S. in Hospitality Business Management

Applying to the M.S. in Hospitality Business Management

Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted at any time. You may begin in the fall or spring semesters. Applicants are considered for admission on a rolling basis.

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall Semester - August 1
    (June 1 for international applicants)
  • Spring Semester - January 1
    (November 1 for international applicants)
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.

GMAT/GRE Test scores are not required. If you wish to strengthen your application, you may submit your GMAT/GRE scores. The University of Delaware’s institutional code to have Education Testing Service (ETS) send official scores is 5811.

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 & Fees

Tuition

The tuition rate for 2024-2025 is $1,069/credit.

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. There are no registration fees for online programs. To verify whether your program is available online, see University of Delaware's online programs page.

Please visit the graduate fees and financial aid page in the Graduate Catalog for full details.
Funding Opportunities

Awards

The merit-based opportunities listed on this page are available to full-time students. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for any type of funding.

Graduate Scholarships

Graduate scholarships are available for exceptionally qualified full-time applicants. These scholarships may be up to 25% of tuition and are awarded for up to two years. Scholarships are merit-based and require no additional application.

Teaching Assistantships

The GradWorks program provides full-time Lerner graduate students (M.S. or MBA) with the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience as teaching assistants. Working alongside faculty, students may assist with grading, lead or support class discussions, help prepare course materials, provide in-class support and contribute to special projects. Teaching assistant positions are hourly and may begin as early as a student’s second semester. Students become eligible to apply during their first semester, after they are officially enrolled. Once approved as an eligible candidate, your resume will be shared with academic departments. If your skills align with faculty needs, you may be contacted directly for an opportunity.

Graduate Internship Program

The Graduate Internship Program is an elite internship program for full-time students that gives top Lerner College graduate students an opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience with a corporate sponsor. For information on opportunities, compensation and application requirements, please visit the career services graduate internship program page.

Funding Resources

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.

International Application Requirements

As an international applicant, you must:
  • Fulfill all the admissions requirements for domestic students.
  • Provide translation and other supporting documents for transcripts.
  • Demonstrate English proficiency by doing one of the following:
    • Submit a TOEFL score of 100 or higher,
    • Submit an IELTS score of 7.5 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. Please note World Education Services (WES) evaluations are no longer accepted.

Conditional Admission Program (CAP)

The Conditional Admissions Program (CAP) provides international students acceptance into the program without the need to take the TOEFL exam. After completing CAP at the University of Delaware’s English Language Institute (ELI) you begin your coursework. The length of time you will need to study in the ELI depends on your English skills when you enter the program. Please see the Graduate CAP Business Track page on the ELI website for more information.

Graduate Pathways

Graduate Pathways is a one-semester preparation program for international students whose language proficiency approaches the admission requirement (85-99 on the TOEFL iBT or 7.0 on the IELTS). You will take classes in English for graduate studies plus one course from your program with language support from the English Language Institute (ELI). Please see the Graduate Pathways page on the ELI website for more details.

Services for International Students

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