MS in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
Advance Your Career. Lead the Future of the Industry.
The online master’s in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) is designed for industry professionals seeking to enhance their careers or to transition to consulting or higher education. This fully asynchronous online program allows you to engage with coursework at your convenience, allowing you to manage your professional and personal obligations while furthering your education.
Program Overview
As the only program of its kind in Tennessee, our 100% online, asynchronous Master of Science (MS) in RHTM is designed to advance the careers of industry professionals. Upon completing the program, you will:
- Acquire advanced skills in data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and effective communication,
- Reach an elite “Big Orange” network needed to command the future of the retail and hospitality marketplace, and
- Open new doors in consulting and higher education.
You will develop expertise in conceptual thinking and practical application through a rigorous industry-connected, case-based learning model. By immersing yourself in actual industry scenarios and challenges, you will transform theoretical knowledge into actionable expertise.
Program Mission and Objectives
Our mission is to develop future industry leaders and educators to shape the future of retail, hospitality, and tourism management. Our curriculum will equip you with the analytical depth and industry-relevant knowledge and skills demanded by today’s global market.
Master’s students focus on:
- Advancing industry leadership through applied knowledge, skills, and competencies that support career growth in retail, hospitality, and tourism.
- Strengthening strategic thinking to address emerging trends and complex challenges across the industry.
- Applying research and analytical skills to solve real-world problems and support data-informed decision-making.
- Expanding career opportunities through industry engagement, professional networks, and advanced-level preparation.
- Responding to industry and community needs by aligning learning with current and future demands at the state, national, and global society.
Admissions and Application Process
Application Deadlines
Both domestic and international applicants:
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: January 1
Notes: International students will not be eligible for an F-1 visa because the program is fully online.
Admission Criteria
| Minimum Undergraduate GPA | 2.7 out of 4.0 |
| Minimum Graduate School GPA for non-U.S. degree holders | 3.0 out of 4.0 |
| GRE or GMAT | Not required |
| Recommendation letters | Three Graduate Rating forms compiled by individuals who can attest to your potential for graduate education. |
| Transcript | Transcripts from the bachelor’s degree-granting institution and/or all graduate institutions. All transcripts must be uploaded to the online application, even if you didn’t receive a degree. |
| Personal goal statement | Personal goal statement regarding your intentions upon earning the degree. |
| Resume | Detailing academic and professional experience. |
| Past experience | Hold an undergraduate degree in retail, hospitality, tourism, or event management-related area from an accredited institution. Prior work experience in the related field is preferred but not required.1 |
| Optional materials for prior learning credits based on managerial experience (Qualified students may receive course credits up to 6 credit hours.) | A portfolio demonstrating the applicant’s managerial work experience and its alignment with the learning outcomes of RHTM 591: Industry Experience in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism.2 |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Notes:
1. Education or professional experiences will be reviewed on an individual basis. Applicants without RHTM-related education or sufficient industry experience may be required to complete additional coursework, such as HTM 102 Introduction to Tourism and Travel or RMM 210 Introduction to Retail Management.
2. RHTM 591 Industry Experience in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate self-awareness at the individual level and as a member of a business group by using written reflection.
- Analyze the organization from a marketing perspective.
- Apply management and communication skills in a business environment.
- Apply problem-solving skills to perform job assignments.
- Apply skills and knowledge acquired from the program in real-world settings.
English Proficiency Requirement
International applicants whose primary language is not English must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency. See the Office of Graduate Admissions for score requirements and additional details.
Curriculum and Requirements
Students may choose either a thesis or a non-thesis option. The thesis option is designed for those who plan to pursue a Ph.D., an academic pathway, after completing the MS degree. Students seeking to advance their professional careers, rather than pursue an advanced degree, are advised to select the non-thesis option.
| Non-Thesis Option | Thesis Option | |
| Required Courses (18 credits) | RHTM 504 Qualitative Market Research (Market Stories and Insights) | RHTM 504 Qualitative Market Research (Market Stories and Insights) |
| RHTM 515 The Changing Landscape in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism | RHTM 515 The Changing Landscape in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism | |
| RHTM 516 Quantitative Market Research (Consumer Research) | RHTM 516 Quantitative Market Research (Consumer Research) | |
| RHTM 525 Customer Experience Management | RHTM 525 Customer Experience Management | |
| RHTM 591 Industry Experience in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism (3 hours) | RHTM 500 Thesis (6 credits) | |
| RHTM 592 Industry Research Project in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism (3 hours) | ||
| Electives (12 credits: Choose 4 courses from the list) | RHTM 510 Strategic Planning in RHTM | RHTM 510 Strategic Planning in RHTM |
| RHTM 512 Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management in RHTM | RHTM 512 Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management in RHTM | |
| RHTM 541 Brand Communication | RHTM 541 Brand Communication | |
| RHTM 560 Market Intelligence and Analytics | RHTM 560 Market Intelligence and Analytics | |
| RHTM 570 Executive Leadership in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism | RHTM 570 Executive Leadership in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism | |
| RHTM 580 Critical Sustainable Tourism | RHTM 580 Critical Sustainable Tourism | |
| RHTM 584 International Study Tour in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management | RHTM 584 International Study Tour in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management | |
| RHTM 591 Industry Experience in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism (3 hours) | RHTM 591 Industry Experience in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism (3 or 6 hours) |
Cost & Financial Aid
You can learn more about tuition, fees, and funding opportunities by visiting the UT Graduate School website. This resource provides cost estimates based on your residency status as an in-state, out-of-state, or international student.
Full-time PhD students in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management are eligible for graduate assistantships, which include tuition waivers, fees, and health insurance. In recent years, the program has been able to provide four years of funding for all full-time doctoral students. In addition to the financial support offered through RHTM, the Graduate School also offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships.
