The Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program emphasizes flexibility, independence and interdisciplinary study to accommodate the needs and research interests of all students. Through the program, students are expected to obtain experience in teaching and research. Graduate faculty will mentor students in both the classroom and research settings.

The Ph.D. objectives are:

• To develop teaching skills for both undergraduate and graduate levels
• To disseminate information about the hospitality industry
• To develop theory and add knowledge to the field
• To identify problems through analysis
• To identify solutions from competing alternatives through quantitative and qualitative metrics
• To effectively communicate research outcomes
• To develop grantmanship capabilities

Steps to Apply for Admission

1. Get started on your graduate admission application at applyweb.com/uhouston.
2. Pay the following Application Fee:
   $50 for Domestic Applicants
   $80 for International Applicants
3. Submit a complete Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   The document must include a mailing address and an email address. A minimum of one year of experience in hospitality-related work is preferred for admission. The document must be submitted online through the application portal.
4. Submit a Personal Statement
   The document must include a concise description of why you want to pursue a Master of Science in Hospitality Management degree. The document must be submitted online through the application portal and be approximately 250 words, double spaced.
5. Submit an Official College Transcript (from all institutions attended)
   a.     Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) – This must be a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 cumulative average scale.
   b.     Official transcripts must list degree(s) earned and date(s) awarded or an official degree certificate must be provided.
   
   NOTE: International applicants must possess a US bachelor’s degree or the equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree. For more information specific to your country, please visit uh.edu/graduate-school/international-students/transcripts/index.php or email your questions to gradschool@uh.edu.
   
   Please have the school(s) you attend/attended submit transcripts to the following:
    •    Regular Mail — University of Houston Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 3947, Houston, TX, 77253-3947
    •     Express Mail — University of Houston Graduate Admissions, 4302 University Dr., Room 102, Houston, TX, 77204-2012
    •     Electronic or “Speede” Transcript — Within the state of Texas, the fastest way to send your transcript is electronically. Inquire at your previous institution about this option. E-transcripts can be sent to gradschool@uh.edu
6. Submit Official GRE or GMAT Score
   a.     Institution code for GRE is 6870 and GMAT is XT1-1C-69
   b.     GRE (gre.org/) or GMAT (gmac.com/) official scores should be sent to the University of Houston. The Hilton College Graduate Program recommends that these exam(s) be completed before submission of the graduate admission application. The admissions committee reviews the quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing sections.
7. Submit Three Letters of Recommendation
   Applicants will provide the email address of three recommenders when completing the online application; a mix of both employers and professors is preferred. The recommendation letters must be submitted online through the application portal.
8. Applicant Interview
   Interviews are required, and candidates chosen for interview by the committee will be contacted by the program.
   Additional Required Admission Documents for International Applicants
9. Submit an Official Degree Certificate or Diploma
   a.     Please refer to uh.edu/graduate-school/international-students/transcripts/index.php for more information regarding general guidelines and country-specific guidelines.
   b.     Submit official documents to the Graduate School using the delivery methods listed in Step #5.
10. Submit Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo Scores (English Language Proficiency - ELP)
    a.     All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, must demonstrate proficiency in English to obtain admission to the University of Houston. The test scores that you submit must be valid and reportable at the time you submit your application (within the last two years for the TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, or Duolingo).
     •     The minimum TOEFL scores required based on the type are the following:
          o   Internet based Test (iBT): An overall score of 79 or higher
          o   Paper-based Test (pBT): An overall score of 550 or higher.
          o   TOEFL scores must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The University of Houston’s ETS Institutional Code is 6870.
     •     The minimum IELTS score required is an overall score of a 6.5 IELTS scores should be sent electronically to “University of Houston”.
     •    For international graduate applicants, the University of Houston Graduate School has approved the Duolingo English Test for English proficiency exams. Duolingo English Tests are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.
     •    Please refer to uh.edu/graduate-school/international-students/english-proficiency/ for more information on English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements and exemptions based on the country where the degree was earned.
11. Submit a Letter of Financial Backing Form
    a.     The Letter of Financial Backing form must be supported by a current bank and the amounts listed must be converted to USD.
    b.     Please refer to uh.edu/graduate-school/i-20/index.php for more information on the I-20 and Financial Backing Form documentation.
12. Submit a copy of the biometric page of your Passport

Deadlines

 •     The Fall application deadline is January 15.
The Ph.D. program does not offer spring admission.

NOTE: Applicants who have completed an M.S. in Hospitality Management or a similar degree with an overall grade point average of 3.2 on a 4-point scale for their last degree will be considered. Review the Hilton College faculty directory and reach out to potential research advisors to initiate contact and discuss shared interests.