Applying to the Ph.D. in Hospitality Business Analytics

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer appropriate strengths. Assistantships and scholarships are available.

Application Deadline

  • We accept applications for fall admission only.
  • All associated, required application documents should be received and ready for review by the application deadlines.
  • Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis
  • To be considered favorably for financial aid: January 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.

Admissions Requirements

1. Application Fee

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

2. Bachelor’s Degree

A four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any academic field from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher 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

Submit 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

Applicants must have earned a grade of B in an undergraduate course in calculus to be able to apply. Preference is given to applicants from the primary fields of hospitality management, tourism management or business management, including functional areas such as management science, finance, marketing and MIS. Applicants from supporting fields described below with three years of relevant managerial experience are also eligible to apply.

  • Data science
  • Economics
  • Statistics
  • Mathematics
  • Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Sciences (physics, chemistry, biology etc.)
  • Social sciences (psychology, sociology, geography etc.)
  • Architecture
  • Public policy
  • Environmental studies

6. GRE or GMAT

Both GRE and GMAT test scores are acceptable. All exams must have been taken within two years before applying to the program. Scores should be very competitive given the rigorous quantitative and writing-intensive requirements of the program.

7. Personal Statement

Submit a personal statement that details your goals and objectives and clearly identifies your interest in the Lerner College degree program.

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. Instructions for returning the completed forms are included in the emails.

Tuition and Fees
All tuition rates and fees are for 2022-2023.

Tuition

Delaware residents* $876/credit
Non-residents $979/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 a full tuition scholarship. 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 scholarship. 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 100 or higher (sub-scores of 20 in reading and listening; 20 in speaking; and 24 in writing),
  • Submit an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher overall (sub-scores of 6.0 in each area), or
  • Provide proof of having earned a college degree in a country where English is the primary language

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

Services for International Students

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