The Ph.D. degree in Hospitality Management (HM) prepares students for various positions such as faculty at universities and hospitality/tourism researchers in government agencies, or private sectors.

This program of study provides students with the opportunity to generate significant industry-specific knowledge through exposure to and participation in the highest levels of academic research. The Ph.D. program requires 60 credit hours beyond the master’s degree, including 16 hours devoted to original dissertation research. To complete the Ph.D. degree program, a student must successfully complete a comprehensive exam, propose and complete a dissertation study, and successfully pass a final examination on the dissertation administered by the student’s advisory committee. For more information about the program, please visit the University bulletin.

The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management is home to world renowned professors who have significant publication records in the most prestigious journals in hospitality and tourism. The college hosts several research centers and institutes, and collectively provides excellent opportunities for students to get involved in research projects with organizations like:

• South Carolina’s only Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development (CoEE)
• International Institute for Foodservice Research & Education
• International Tourism Research Institute
• Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center
• Culinary and Wine Institute

Selected students will receive an attractive departmental graduate assistantship which will be supplemented with health care and tuition subsidies. Moreover, highly qualified students will have the opportunity to compete for a presidential fellowship. Only fall admission will be granted. Application deadline of each year is February 1. Applications need to be filled out through the graduate school's website, http://app.gradschool.sc.edu/steps.asp. Please visit http://www.hrsm.sc.edu/hrtm/graduate/PhD/admissions.shtml for admissions requirements.

For general information about the program and application procedure, please contact Mrs. Vickie Smith, Graduate Programs Manager, at ++001 (803) 777-2053 or smithvl2@hrsm.sc.edu. For academic-related inquiries, please contact Dr. Xiang (Robert) Li at robertli@mailbox.sc.edu.