Applying to the Ph.D. in Hospitality Business Analytics

The program admits students every other year, in even-numbered years. The next class of students will start Fall 2026. We recommend full-time program applicants interested in merit-based funding consideration apply early as those awards are distributed on a rolling basis typically at or close to the time of admission.

Application Deadline

• Fall Semester - August 1
  (June 1 for international applicants)

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

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.

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.

• The Conditional Admission Program (CAP)
• Graduate student organizations
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)