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Hospitality Management (PhD)

Advance the future of hospitality through rigorous research, innovation, and leadership. UCF’s Ph.D. program in Hospitality Management prepares scholars to shape global hospitality and tourism through groundbreaking inquiry, evidence-based insights, and thought leadership, all from the heart of hospitality. Designed for those seeking careers in academia, research, and industry, the program blends theoretical depth with applied research to address the evolving challenges of the service economy.

Recognized for
Excellence and Innovation

#1
best hospitality and hotel management school in the world

(2025 CEOWORLD Magazine)

#1
college in the United States for hospitality education and research

(2025 ShanghaiRanking)

Top 10
most innovative university

U.S. News & World Report 2025

Orlando: The Hospitality and Tourism Capital

Home to UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Orlando lies at the center of an $87 billion tourism economy. As one of the world’s leading hospitality and tourism destinations, the city offers unmatched opportunities for research, collaboration, and industry engagement. From global theme parks to emerging hospitality ventures, Orlando serves as a dynamic environment for experiential learning and scholarly discovery.

A Powerful Location

No. 1 Most Visited Destination in the Nation

(VisitOrlando)

No. 1 Best City to Start a Career in Florida

and No. 2 in the nation

(WalletHub)

No. 1 Happiest Vacation Destination in the U.S.

and No. 3 Globally

(BookRetreats.com, Holiday Happiness Index 2025)

Discover Orlando

Application Deadlines

February 1 (Domestic)
January 15 (International)

Application Requirements
Apply Today

The Ph.D. in Hospitality Management at UCF Rosen College is a research-intensive program designed to prepare scholars for academic and leadership roles across hospitality, tourism, and related service industries. The curriculum integrates theoretical depth, methodological rigor, and applied learning to foster innovation and critical inquiry. Students develop expertise in hospitality theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistical analysis, and grant writing, while participating in professional development seminars and collaborative research projects. 

Located in the heart of one of the world’s most active tourism markets, the program provides direct access to a living laboratory of global hospitality operations. Students engage with leading researchers through institutes such as the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies and gain hands-on experience with high-impact, externally funded projects. The program culminates in a doctoral dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the field, supported by a clear progression from foundational coursework to specialization, proposal development, and dissertation defense. 

Program at a Glance 

  • Credit Hours: 60
  • Location: UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Orlando, FL 
  • Format: Full-time, in-person 
  • Typical Completion Time: 4 years 

The Ph.D. in Hospitality Management combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on research experience. Students progress through a structured sequence of core courses, research electives, specialization areas, and dissertation work, totaling 60 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. The curriculum provides a balanced foundation in hospitality theory, advanced research methods, and statistical analysis, while allowing flexibility to tailor coursework toward individual research interests. 

Typical Path to the Ph.D. 
Year 1 – Foundation & Immersion 
Focus on theoretical and methodological foundations while collaborating with faculty on early-stage research projects. 

Year 2 – Specialization & Exams 
Pursue advanced specialization courses, form your dissertation committee, and complete comprehensive examinations. 

Year 3 – Dissertation Proposal 
Develop and defend your dissertation proposal, then begin data collection and analysis under faculty supervision. 

Year 4 – Completion & Defense 
Finalize and defend your dissertation, and prepare for academic or industry career placement. 

For detailed course listings and degree requirements, visit the UCF Graduate Catalog. 

Applications to the Ph.D. in Hospitality Management are submitted through the UCF College of Graduate Studies in partnership with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. The program reviews applications and makes recommendations, but only the College of Graduate Studies can issue an official offer of admission. 

Steps to Apply 

  1. Review Requirements and Deadlines 
    Ensure you meet minimum eligibility, including a master’s degree from an accredited institution and GPA requirements. International applicants should review additional requirements.
  1. Complete the Online Application 
    Submit the UCF Graduate Application and pay the $30 non-refundable application fee. Applications are not processed until the fee is received. 
  1. Submit Transcripts 
    Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Current or prior UCF students do not need to submit UCF transcripts; they are retrieved automatically. Transcripts can be sent electronically or via hard copy to the College of Graduate Studies. 
  1. Submit Supporting Documents 
    Include a statement of purpose, CV or résumé, and letters of recommendation. Some programs may require additional documents or personal insight questions. 
  1. Provide Test Scores (if required) 
    GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS scores may be required depending on your program. Official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. 
  1. Track Your Application 
    Use the Application Status Portal to monitor missing documents and application updates. 

Decision Timeline 
Admission review is conducted by the program, with final approval from the College of Graduate Studies. Applicants are only admitted after receiving an official offer. Once notified, you can accept or decline your offer via the Applicant Status Portal. 

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management and the University of Central Florida offer a variety of financial resources to support graduate students throughout their studies. Below is an overview of funding options commonly available through the Rosen College.

Fellowships

UCF fellowships provide financial assistance to help cover the cost of tuition and fees. These awards do not require students to work and are granted based on academic merit. Fellowships are available for newly admitted, domestic, international, and minority students. College recommendation plays a key role in the selection process.

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are offered to students employed by UCF’s Rosen College or partner institutions to teach, conduct research, or perform professional tasks that enhance their academic experience.
Assistantship types include:

  • Graduate Assistant (GA) – Supports faculty or departments with administrative and academic tasks.
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) – Serves as an instructor of record or assists with teaching-related responsibilities.
  • Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) – Assists faculty in conducting and publishing research.

Graduate assistants receive competitive stipends and may qualify for tuition support depending on the position. Openings are typically shared with students by faculty or posted within college channels.

Scholarships

The Rosen College awards approximately $350,000 in scholarships each year. While many are designated for undergraduate students, select opportunities are open to graduate students. Details about eligibility, deadlines, and available awards are shared with students throughout the academic year.

Student Loans and Federal Aid

Graduate students may apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Aid options include Federal Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, and the Federal Work-Study Program.
To qualify, students must:

  • Be degree-seeking and enrolled at least half-time at UCF
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Short-term loans may also be available to assist with immediate financial needs.

International Student Employment

International students interested in on-campus employment or other work opportunities should review employment eligibility requirements on the UCF Global website.

Additional Information

More information about funding opportunities, tuition, and fees can be found on the following pages:

1. How long does it typically take to complete the Ph.D. program?
The program is designed for four years of full-time study, though completion time may vary depending on research progress and dissertation requirements.

2. What kind of research training will I receive in the Ph.D. program?
Students gain extensive training in both quantitative and qualitative methods, experimental design, survey analysis, and advanced statistical modeling, preparing them for independent research and publication.

3. Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary research?
Yes. Ph.D. students can collaborate with faculty across UCF, including those in business, engineering, health sciences, and other related disciplines.

4. What is the process for selecting a dissertation advisor or committee?
Students typically select a dissertation chair by the end of their first or early second year as part of submitting their official Plan of Study to the College of Graduate Studies.

5. Are there opportunities to gain teaching experience during the program?
Yes. After passing the candidacy exam, students can serve as Graduate Teaching Associates (GTAs) and teach undergraduate courses independently.

6. How does the program support students presenting at academic conferences?
Travel support is available through Rosen College and the College of Graduate Studies for students accepted to present research at major conferences.

7. What career paths do graduates typically pursue?
Graduates primarily enter academic positions at leading universities worldwide. Others advance into research, consulting, or executive leadership roles in hospitality and tourism organizations.

8. What networking opportunities are available with industry partners and alumni?
Students have access to Rosen research symposia, alumni networks, and industry events that connect them with global leaders and collaborators in hospitality and tourism.

Contact Us

Have questions? We’re here to help you navigate the application process and learn more about our program.

Dr. Jeong-Yeol Park

Ph.D. Program Coordinator

For questions about program curriculum, research alignment, and faculty mentorship.

Jeong-Yeol.Park@ucf.edu
407.903.8027

Ms. Kathy Sapp

Academic Coordinator, Graduate Admissions

For questions about the application process, required materials, and submission status.

Kathy.Henry@ucf.edu
407.903.8024