Ph.D. Hospitality & Tourism Part Time

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hospitality and Tourism is an advanced research-focused program designed for individuals seeking to make significant contributions to the field through original research and scholarly inquiry. This rigorous program provides students with the opportunity to explore complex issues and challenges in the hospitality and tourism industry, develop expertise in a specialized area of study, and contribute new knowledge to the field through their research.

The PhD in Hospitality and Tourism program typically involves coursework, comprehensive examinations, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation. The coursework component is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in research methods, theoretical frameworks, and critical analysis skills necessary for conducting independent research. Courses may cover topics such as research design, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, literature review methods, and academic writing.

In addition to coursework, students in the PhD program are required to pass comprehensive examinations to demonstrate their mastery of key concepts and theories in the field. These examinations typically cover foundational knowledge in hospitality and tourism management, research methods, and theoretical frameworks. Successful completion of comprehensive examinations is a prerequisite for advancing to the dissertation phase of the program.

The centerpiece of the PhD program is the doctoral dissertation, which is an original research project conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The dissertation allows students to delve deeply into a specific area of interest within the field of hospitality and tourism, formulate research questions, design and implement research studies, analyze data, and present findings in a scholarly manner. The dissertation is a significant scholarly contribution to the field and provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their research skills and expertise.

Throughout the program, students work closely with faculty mentors and advisors who provide guidance and support in the development and execution of their research projects. Faculty members are typically experts in their respective areas of study and offer valuable insights, feedback, and mentorship to help students succeed in their research endeavors.

In addition to conducting research, PhD students in Hospitality and Tourism may have the opportunity to gain teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants or instructors for undergraduate or graduate courses in the field. Teaching experience provides students with valuable skills in course design, classroom management, and student engagement, and prepares them for future academic careers.

Upon completion of the PhD program, graduates are prepared to pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and industry organizations. They may work as faculty members at universities, conducting research, teaching courses, and mentoring students. They may also work as researchers or consultants in the hospitality and tourism industry, contributing to the development of best practices, policies, and strategies. With their advanced research skills and expertise, PhD graduates play a vital role in advancing knowledge and driving innovation in the field of hospitality and tourism.