MS HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT | MBA/MS DEGREE
THESIS OPTIONNON-THESIS OPTIONDEGREE PLANSCHOLARSHIPS
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS & DEADLINESNon-Thesis Option
Students who elect the non-thesis option must earn a minimum of 36 semester hours (21-24 hours from courses in their major). Additionally, resident students must complete six hours of research tools ( SMHM5300 and SMHM 5400). Online students must complete six hours of research tools (Methods and Statistics) outside of the school with the approval of their major professor.
All students must complete a minor of course work with the same prefix. A minor consists of 6-9 hours of coursework outside of the School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management. Suggested minors include marketing, education, management, finance, and journalism. Students who select the non-thesis option must complete a written comprehensive exam.
Course Work Requirements for Non-Thesis Option
SMHM courses (excluding SMHM 5300, SMHM 5400 or online research tools) 21 hours
SMHM 5300 (or online Research Methods course) 3 hours
SMHM 5400 (or online Statistics course) 3 hours
Minor 6 hours
Elective (SMHM or minor) 3 hours
Total 36 hours
Comprehensive Examination
- A comprehensive written examination will be given if a student completes 24 graduate credit hours including SMHM 5300 or SMHM 5400.
- The exam will be scheduled by the Graduate Coordinator at least 21 days prior to the University graduation deadline, ordinarily in September and February.
- Three SMHM courses and Research Methods (SMHM 5300) or Research Applications (SMHM 5400) are to be taken.
- SMHM comprehensive exam courses will not include SMHM 5000 Study Tour, SMHM 5790 Field Experience, SMHM 5900-5910 Special Problems (independent study with faculty), or SMHM 5920. Only one dual numbered course can be included.
- When graduation is anticipated, the student is to notify the major professor, by the end of the previous semester, of the intent to take the examination. The major professor will assist with completing the paperwork and forward the request to the Graduate Coordinator.
- The Graduate Program Coordinator will solicit examination questions from faculty who will evaluate responses.
- The closed-book comprehensive examination will not exceed one day and will be evaluated on a grade scale.
- Students who earn a C can retake the exam in the same semester, but not during dead week or final exam week.
- Students who earn a D or F must retake the exam in the following regular semester (Spring or Fall). International students need to be enrolled at least one course (any level) if the semester they retake the comprehensive exam is their last semester.