The University of South Carolina’s Ph.D. program in Hospitality Management produces
world-class leaders who are trained at the highest level of hospitality and tourism
research and education to serve in critical roles with industry and academic institutions
around the world.
Ph.D. Program Highlights
USC is ranked among the top 12 programs in the U.S. for hospitality and tourism management.
Our graduate students have found positions at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
University of Houston, and University of Central Florida, just to name a few.
Atop the SEC
The University of South Carolina ranks among the top 12 schools in the U.S. and atop
the SEC for hospitality and tourism management according to the ShanghaiRanking's
2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Want more information or to speak with someone regarding our Ph.D. in hospitality
management? Fill out our form and our program director will reach out to you.
The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is Jan. 15.
All applications for the Ph.D. program must be submitted online through the Graduate School. Applications will be reviewed and assessed individually by the School of Hospitality
and Tourism Management's graduate faculty based on the applicant's:
Official university transcripts (work done at the master’s and bachelor’s levels)
GMAT / GRE
Personal statement
CV / Resume
Two letters of recommendation
TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo / PTE (for international students)
Promise of ability to adequately pursue advanced study and research
Professional experience
In-person and / or online interviews
Identification of School of Hospitality and Tourism Management faculty member(s) willing
to champion their application process. Please contact hospitality and tourism faculty whose research interests align with yours.
Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. in hospitality management is based on a four-year period of residential
study following the completion of a master’s degree with an undergraduate or graduate
degree in hospitality and tourism management or related fields. The Ph.D. program
requires 60 credit hours. To finish the Ph.D. program, a student must successfully
complete a qualifying exam, comprehensive exam, propose and complete a dissertation
study, and successfully pass a final examination on the dissertation administered
by the advisory committee.
Additional information and details on degree requirements can be found at the academic bulletin.
Conferences
Ph.D. students regularly collaborate with our faculty and present their research findings
at major conferences such as the 28th Annual Graduate Education & Graduate Student
Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism hosted by The Collins College of Hospitality
Management at Cal Poly Pomona over Jan. 5-7, 2023.
Assistantships and Fellowships
Assistantships and fellowships are awarded to graduate students on a competitive basis.
A fellowship makes you a vital part of the college through teaching, research and
other meaningful educational experiences. Stipend rates are competitive, tuition reductions
are included and assistance is provided for research conferences. Visit the Graduate
School to learn more about assistantships.
Get in Touch
Fang Meng, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Program Director and Professor School of Hospitality and Tourism Management