Purdue offers new online Master of Science in hospitality and tourism management

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University is launching an online Master of Science in hospitality and tourism management.

The online program is geared toward adults who have a minimum of three years of full-time managerial experience and are looking to take their hospitality career to the next level. The program has a practical business focus and uses case studies and problem-based learning to link theory with industry knowledge, analytic know-how, and leadership skills.

"The online program is great for motivated students that don't want to miss a beat in their career by taking time away from work for full-time study," said Jonathon Day, an associate professor of hospitality and tourism management. "The online format allows busy professionals to manage their own time, engage with learning material when it is convenient, and continue to grow in their professional life. One of the great advantages of an online masters is that the students are able to engage with the material and apply it at work the very next day."

The master's program, which will be available in 2017, will focus on business analytics, business knowledge, human resource management, hospitality finance, marketing, information literacy, research methods and management and leadership in the industry. Information about the 24-month program, which requires 34 credit hours, is available online or by calling 877-497-5851.

"One of our goals is to take a leader and give them additional skills to move to the next level," said Richard Ghiselli, professor and head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. "Quantitative skills, data analysis skills, those other skills that are going to help them use the data to make decisions. That's what we hope to provide: the skill set for managers to move and advance their careers even farther and faster."

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is housed in the College of Health and Human Sciences. 

Writer: Kelsey Schnieders, 574-933-4413, kschnied@purdue.edu

Media contact: Howard Hewitt, 765-494-9541, hhewitt@purdue.edu

Sources: Richard Ghiselli, ghiselli@purdue.edu

Jonathon Day, gjday@purdue.edu