School of Travel Industry Management

Graduate Program

The Master of Science (MS) degree program in travel industry management is designed to provide a specialized education through coursework and research to master a broad and sophisticated set of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. Students develop analytical abilities and the critical thinking skills necessary for careers in the travel and tourism industry. The MS degree is a broader preparation for graduates to take the first step into leadership roles. Given the program’s focus, students are expected to engage in understanding and execution of rigorous research activities which could also lead to further advanced education.

The program prepares students for advanced careers and leadership roles across the spectrum of the travel industry including tourism, hospitality and transportation management as well as areas integrating the entire industry including information technology, fnance, marketing, policy and planning. Students may also explore specific topics of interest including sustainable tourism, eco-tourism, electronic commerce, social and cultural aspects of travel and tourism, among many others. The program and faculty also have a strong emphasis and expertise in travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. Students come from many countries with strong representation from Asia as well as North America and Hawai‘i.

Admission Requirements

The MS in travel industry management is designed for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree in a travel-related, hospitality management or business field or another undergraduate degree and a demonsrated interest in the travel industry.

Minimum admission standards include a GPA of at least 3.0 in the baccalaureate work and in the last two years of undergraduate work. Applicants must attain a satisfactory score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and, where applicable, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 560.

Three letters of reference are required addressing the ability of the applicant to succeed in graduate study and to make future contributions to the travel industry. In addition, work experience, preferably at the supervisory or managerial level, is desirable.

Degree Requirements

The MS is a 36-credit program. Both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) options are available. Plan A and Plan B students must earn 21 credits in the following required core courses: TIM 602, 603, 605, 606, 607, 610, and 695.

Plan A (Thesis)

The following are additional requirements for Plan A only: (a) three elective courses (9 credits) approved by the graduate chair; and (b) TIM 700 (6 credits).

Plan B (Non-thesis)

The following are additional requirements for Plan B only: Five elective courses (15 credits) including an optional Plan B paper (TIM 694).

Certificate in Sustainable Tourism

The Certificate in Sustainable Tourism is designed to provide non-TIM undergraduate students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of sustainable and responsible tourism principles and practices.

Students must apply to the TIM School to be accepted to the certificate program prior to enrolling in upper-division TIM courses. Admission requirements include completion of TIM 101 with B grade or better, completion of 54 non-TIM credits and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Certificate students are required to take 15 credits offered by the TIM School and complete the requirements for a bachelor degree in their area of study. The required courses are TIM 101 and TIM 420. Students will select nine credits from the following courses: TIM 321, 324, 325, 369J, 469B.

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Please note: This Catalog was prepared to provide information and does not constitute a contract. The University reserves the right to change or delete, supplement or otherwise amend at any time and without prior notice the information, requirements and policies contained in this Catalog.