James Alami
Graduate Recruiter
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
Learn from world-renowned scholars and industry experts at one of the top graduate programs in the country. The University of South Carolina's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is ranked No. 1 among Southeastern Conference Schools for hospitality and tourism management.
Degree Program Highlights
- 30 credit-hour program: Earn your master’s degree in one year!
- Flexible curriculum delivery: Study online or on campus.
- Thesis and professional tracks.
- Learn from global scholars and industry leaders
-
Alumna Spotlight
Laurie Savidge realized the work of a coastal resort only begins with hospitality. Today, this business professional works to protect the natural world, too.
-
Career Success
Mamee Groves (left), a two-time USC graduate and MIHTM alumna, is senior director of food and beverage for Hilton North America. She remains active with HRSM as an adjunct professor and participates in panel discussions for the college as well.
On Your Schedule
Students have the option to earn their master's degree in hospitality and tourism management on campus or via distance learning and at their own pace. Synchronous distance delivery using Adobe Connect provides remote students with an engaging, interactive classroom experience where they learn in real time with on-campus classmates and professors. Additional asynchronous course options give students the flexibility to complete courses online and at their convenience.
Customized Curriculum
The degree program includes 30 credit hours of innovative classes covering specialized topics in business analytics, strategic leadership, marketing and social media, customer experience management, talent management and finance. Elective courses and field projects allow students to tailor their degree to their interests, including international learning opportunities. Thesis (research) and non-thesis (professional) tracks are available to match students’ career objectives.
Core Curriculum Concepts
The Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (M.I.H.T.M.) program at the University of South Carolina is designed to build global-ready professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills to thrive in the world’s fastest-growing industries. The curriculum blends academic theory with real-world application and focuses on key areas such as:
- Global Hospitality Strategy — Understand international market dynamics, strategic decision-making, and the cultural nuances of managing hospitality businesses across borders.
- Tourism Economics and Policy — Analyze tourism trends, economic impact, and public policies shaping global travel and tourism sectors.
- Hospitality Operations and Service Management — Learn best practices in hotel, resort, and food service operations, with a strong emphasis on quality and customer experience.
- Financial and Revenue Management — Develop skills in budgeting, forecasting, revenue optimization, and financial analysis for hospitality organizations.
- Marketing and Brand Management — Explore consumer behavior, international marketing techniques, and digital strategies tailored to the global hospitality and tourism industry.
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior — Gain insight into managing diverse teams, fostering innovation, and leading effectively in multicultural environments.
Students also benefit from opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, global networking, and collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring they graduate ready to lead in a competitive international market.
Industry Innovation
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is home to world-renowned scholars, industry experts and impactful research centers that provide opportunities for students to get involved in cutting edge research:
- SmartState Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development
- International Institute for Foodservice Research and Education
- International Tourism and Research Institute
- Wine and Beverage Institute
Graduate Spotlights
Three Ways to Get Started
- For current bachelor’s degree students, the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program allows you to start taking graduate classes as part of your undergraduate coursework. This option is perfect for any student who wants to graduate with two degrees in less time.
- Working professionals and alumni who aren’t ready to commit to earning their master’s can take a “test drive” of up to two classes as a non-degree seeking student. Those classes will count towards a master’s degree if the student later decides to join the program. Prospective students interested in this option can fill out our interest form or visit the graduate school’s non-degree seeking student application.
- And for students who have their undergraduate degree and are ready to earn their master’s, we accept new students throughout the year and can create a course plan that matches your career goals and schedule. More information on how to apply to the MIHTM program is below.
Application Deadlines
- Spring semester: November 15
- Summer session: May 1
- Fall Session: July 1
International student deadlines are one month earlier.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the MIHTM program should use the buttons below based on when they intend to enroll:
Summer / Fall 2026, Spring 2027
For more detailed information about the specific degree requirements, please visit the academic bulletin. Prospective students should complete the main application form and pay the $50 application fee online. In addition, applicants must send all supporting material directly to the Graduate School.
The following supporting material is required with the application:
- A current resume.
- A one- to two-page statement of career objectives that states how the MIHTM curriculum will help the applicant achieve their career objectives.
- At least two letters of recommendation, with at least one from a current or former professor who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate studies. Applicants will send out requests for letters of recommendation from within the GradCAS application. The Graduate School does not accept recommendations sent directly from applicants.
- One official transcript from each college or university attended (undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate). Successful applicants generally have a GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale).
- Official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Successful applicants generally score at least 500 (verbal and quantitative combined) on the GMAT or at least 300 on the GRE. GMAT/GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted under any circumstances. The codes for submitting scores are JV2 (GMAT) and 5818 (GRE).
- Applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. International applicants who have received a degree from a college or university in the United States are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS. Test scores are valid for two years only.
Get in Touch
Use our interest form to get more information about the Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management degree program or reach out directly to James Alami.
Program Director
Scott Taylor, Jr., Ph.D.
Wine and Beverage Institute Assistant Director
Foodservice Research and Education Associate Director
Assistant Professor
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management