Cornell Hotel School launches Intensive, Three-Semester Master’s Program

The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration has restructured its professional master’s degree program in order, it says, to better serve the changing needs of students and the industry. Starting in June 2005, entering students can earn the Master of Management in Hospitality degree in three intensive semesters over 12 months.

The Cornell M.M.H. degree offers many new attributes, most notably a series of career tracks that enables students to build depth in their chosen area of emphasis. Students cluster electives in such disciplines as food and beverage management, lodging, real estate and revenue management. Under the lead of faculty advisors who specialize in their chosen discipline, students engage with industry leaders in a robust array of networking and educational events.

“Cornell faculty members partner with industry leaders to make this a distinctive educational program for our students,” said Leo Renaghan, associate dean at the Cornell Hotel School. “Through our faculty’s theoretical and practical research and its regular interaction with industry leaders, we help shape the global knowledge base for the industry and help shape careers for our students. Our students also have access to an extensive network of Hotel School alumni who hold senior positions across all industry sectors around the globe.”

The new 12-month format decreases both the real and opportunity costs versus the original two-year, four-semester program. “We have enhanced the program while also making it more accessible to young professionals and graduates,” said Professor Sherri Kimes, who serves as director of graduate programs for the School. “We believe this intensive program will give our students the knowledge and focus they need to help lead what is the world’s largest, most dynamic industry.”

Accredited by AACSB-I, the M.M.H. offers core courses in communications, corporate finance, human resources, information systems, managerial accounting, marketing, operations, organizational behavior, property development and strategy.

Program candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in a career in hospitality, as well as competence in finance, statistics and financial accounting. Undergraduate degrees can be in any subject, provided exceptional performance is shown. Work experience in the field is preferred but not required, while managerial experience in any field is a valued attribute.