Master of Science in Hospitality Leadership

This fully online, 30-credit graduate program is structured to provide students with advanced leadership, strategic decision-making, financial acumen, and innovative problem-solving skills, distinguishing it from existing hospitality-related master’s programs. This modular approach enhances flexibility, making it particularly attractive to working professionals, career changers, and industry practitioners seeking a progressive and accessible graduate education. Building on the success of their undergraduate programs, this affordable and viable MS aims to equip graduates for managerial roles in lodging and food and beverage.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of leadership theory and practice as it applies to strategic decision-making, organizational development, and change management in diverse hospitality contexts.
2. Critically analyze and apply financial principles and performance metrics to drive sustainable growth, profitability, and value creation in hospitality enterprises.
3. Develop innovative, data-informed solutions to complex hospitality industry challenges using systems thinking and applied research methodologies.
4. Lead high-performing, inclusive, and culturally competent teams through ethical leadership practices that promote equity, engagement, and resilience in global hospitality environments.
5. Integrate emerging technologies and digital tools into hospitality strategy, operations, and guest experience design to enhance competitive advantage.
6. Design and implement strategic initiatives that address global trends, stakeholder expectations, and long-term sustainability in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
7. Communicate complex analyses and strategic recommendations persuasively to diverse stakeholders through executive-level written, oral, and digital communication formats.
8. Evaluate organizational performance and guest satisfaction metrics to inform continuous improvement and service excellence in hospitality operations.
9. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and industry partners on applied, experiential projects that simulate executive-level decision-making and strategic planning.

Minimum Passing Grade and GPA Requirements

Students must complete the required coursework while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Any student falling below a 3.0 in any given term will be placed on academic probation and be required to develop a remediation plan with an academic advisor to raise the GPA above a 3.0. Students who fail to complete the requirements of their remediation plan may be dismissed from the program.

Students receiving below “C-” will be placed on a remediation plan and will be required to repeat the course.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Master of Science in Hospitality Leadership, applicants must submit the following:

• A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.50. Strong applicants with a GPA below 2.5 may also be admitted based on other compelling parts of their application, for example, extensive relevant industry experience.
• A completed MSU Denver Graduate Application
• A nonrefundable $50 application fee
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
• A current resume outlining relevant academic and professional experience
• A personal statement describing academic goals, professional interests, and reasons for pursuing the program