Retail Hospitality Tourism Management, PhD
The Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management PhD program cultivates scholars who drive innovation and advance research in retail, hospitality, and tourism. Through a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, students engage in cutting-edge research, hands-on mentorship, and rigorous coursework that deepens expertise and expands impact.
Program overview
Graduates from the PhD in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have achieved remarkable success in academia and research. Our alumni secure tenure-track faculty positions at leading universities, contribute to scholarly advancements through peer-reviewed research, and engage in academic leadership roles that shape the future of retail, hospitality, and tourism education.
The RHTM PhD program provides rigorous research training, hands-on teaching experience, and opportunities for funded research collaborations. What sets RHTM apart is its renowned faculty, collegial research environment, and strong academic mentorship. With access to state-of-the-art research facilities, professional development funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students graduate fully prepared to excel in academia and make meaningful contributions to their disciplines.
Concentrations
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Retail and Consumer Sciences
Why study Retail Hospitality Tourism Management?
Studying Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management means choosing a vibrant and dynamic field that powers one of the largest and most exciting industries in the global economy. It is a field for creative and people-oriented individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments.
This field prepares you to lead organizations, create exceptional experiences, and drive economic growth across retail, hotel, restaurant, travel, and tourism sectors. You will develop expertise in business management, customer experience, marketing, operations, and financial strategy applicable across countless career pathways worldwide.
What can you do with a PhD in Retail Hospitality Tourism Management after graduation?
University Faculty
Hospitality Brand Director
Research Scientist
Chief Experience Officer
Featured Courses
Theories in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
Analysis and evaluation of theory in retail, hospitality, and tourism environments, and its application to research in retail, hospitality, and tourism.
Consumer Behavior
Theories and concepts from social science in relation to the ultimate consumer’s behavior.
Qualitative Research Methods in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
Provides an introduction to the broad field of qualitative research. Designed to help students understand theoretical, methodological, and practical aspects of qualitative research by focusing on the areas of naturalistic observation, individual and group interviews, and document analysis.
Literature and Thought in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
Evaluation of retail hospitality and tourism management literature with emphasis upon research literature, development of scholarly thought, and identification of potential areas of further study.
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