Ph.D. Hospitality Administration

Overview of the Program

The Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program is designed to provide flexibility, independence, and interdisciplinary study to support students’ individual research interests. Throughout the program, students gain experience in both teaching and research while working closely with graduate faculty who provide mentorship in the classroom and in research settings. The program prepares students for careers in academia and research-focused roles in hospitality and related fields. The program is a three-year, in-residence program completed at the Hilton College.

What You’ll Develop

The Ph.D. program prepares students to develop advanced teaching, research, and scholarly skills needed for careers in academia and hospitality-related research.

Teaching and Instructional Development

• Develop teaching skills for undergraduate and graduate instruction
• Communicate research findings effectively to academic and industry audiences
• Build skills in grant writing and research funding development

Research and Knowledge Development

• Contribute to the hospitality industry through research and knowledge sharing
• Advance theory and expand knowledge within the field
• Identify and analyze problems within hospitality contexts
• Evaluate and develop solutions using both quantitative and qualitative methods

Who This Program Is Designed For

The Ph.D. program is designed for applicants committed to advanced research in hospitality and related fields, with the goal of contributing to both academia and the hospitality industry.

Ideal applicants typically:

• Have a clear interest in conducting research in hospitality-related areas such as organizational behavior, human resources, technology, marketing, or related disciplines
• Are pursuing or planning careers in academia that involve teaching and research at the university level, or in research-intensive roles within industry
• Have educational or professional experience in hospitality or closely related fields, although applicants from other disciplines are also welcome
• Are prepared to develop their research agenda in collaboration with faculty and are encouraged to identify faculty members whose work aligns with their interests at the time of application
• Bring prior research experience such as publications, conference presentations, or active research projects, which can strengthen an application. While not required for admission, this experience is common among applicants, and all students further develop and publish research in collaboration with faculty during the program

Funding

Ph.D. students are eligible for competitive funding opportunities provided by the Hilton College.

Graduate Tuition Fellowship

The Graduate Tuition Fellowship is a competitive award that covers 100% of tuition and required fees. This fellowship does not cover external costs such as parking, housing, meal plans, or other personal expenses.

Graduate Assistantships

Ph.D. students receive a monthly stipend through graduate assistantships. First-year students are typically appointed as Research Assistants, while second- and third-year students serve as Teaching Fellows. Assistantship appointments are for nine months, covering the academic year. Students are not employed through these appointments during the summer term.

Steps to Apply

Click here to see the Steps to Apply:

In addition to these requirements, please see below: 

1. Submit a Personal Statement
   A three-page, double-spaced essay with one-inch margins detailing career goals, research interests, and/or your justification for pursuing a Ph.D. Consider including Hilton College faculty who align with your interests.
2. 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.
3. 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

Additional Required Admissions Document for International Applicants

1. Submit Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo Scores (English Language Proficiency - ELP)
   Please refer to English Language Proficiency Requirement for more information on English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements and exemptions based on the country where the degree was earned.
2. 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 I-20 & Financial Documents for more information on the I-20 and Financial Backing Form documentation.
3. Submit a copy of the biometric page of your Passport

Deadlines

The Ph.D. program admits students for Fall admission only and accepts applications once per year.

Fall 2027
Application opens on August 1, 2026, with a deadline of January 15, 2027. Applications are submitted through ApplyWeb, the Graduate School’s online application portal.

Current deadlines for Fall 2027 is January 15, 2027.

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.