Short, focused pathways in specialized hospitality topics
In addition to the full degree, the Virginia Tech MSBA–HTM program offers three
graduate certificates in specialized industry topics. Graduate certificates are ideal
for professionals who already hold a master’s degree or who need a focused skills
update in a specific area of hospitality and tourism.
Each certificate consists of three courses (nine credit hours) and can be completed
as part of the MSBA–HTM degree or as a stand-alone credential, allowing for
self-paced learning and flexible timing.
How graduate certificates work
Stand-alone certificates: Apply directly to the graduate certificate
program. Many students can complete the three required courses in as little as
one semester (15 weeks).
As part of the MSBA–HTM: Apply to the degree program, then submit a
secondary program of study form for the graduate certificate once enrolled.
Dual degree note: For students considering a dual degree with the
Evening MBA, a course can only be double-counted. Courses cannot be
triple-counted toward the MSBA–HTM, a graduate certificate, and the Evening MBA.
Graduate Certificate
Hospitality & Tourism Business Analytics and Revenue Management
Develop the tools and skills to engage in high-level strategic thinking in
revenue management and business analytics. Learn to use information systems for
dynamic forecasting, demand and supply analysis, and profit optimization in
hospitality and tourism businesses.
Determine the strategic role of information systems in hospitality and tourism.
Evaluate and apply emerging data analytics tools for operations and strategy.
Design and implement effective revenue management processes.
Analyze demand, supply, cancellations, and no-shows to forecast and set rate
fences and controls.
Manage the interface between revenue management, human resources, and IT, and
articulate the ethical dimensions of revenue management in service environments.
HTM 5564 – Information Technology and Business Analytics in Hospitality and Tourism
HTM 5574 – Revenue Management for Hospitality Services
Plus one of:
BIT 5594 – Web Applications and E-Commerce
MGT 5804 – Strategic Leadership in Technology-based Organizations
Graduate Certificate
International Hospitality & Tourism Strategy
Prepare to think and act strategically on a global scale. This certificate equips
middle managers with frameworks to analyze international markets, macro trends,
and competitive dynamics in hospitality and tourism.
Apply international strategic management and competitive strategy concepts to
hospitality organizations.
Analyze and develop strategies for multinational service firms navigating
technology, diversity, political and legal issues, and global organizational structures.
Evaluate macro dimensions of international marketing—culture, politics, and
economics—and extrapolate them to hospitality markets and destinations.
HTM 5534 – Strategic Management and Competitive Strategy in the Hospitality Industry
HTM 5024 – International Service Management
Plus one of:
MGT 5784 – International Management
MGT 5794 – Strategic Management
MKTG 5704 – International Marketing Strategy
Graduate Certificate
Entrepreneurship in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Turn innovative ideas into viable ventures. This certificate is designed for
aspiring and current entrepreneurs who want to launch or grow hospitality and
tourism businesses, including franchise concepts.
Create a business plan tailored to entrepreneurial opportunities in hospitality
and tourism.
Analyze leadership, marketing, financial, and operational considerations for new
ventures and innovative initiatives.
Navigate legal and human resources issues in entrepreneurial hospitality contexts.
Evaluate franchise concept development, franchisor–franchisee relationships, and
international franchising opportunities.
Apply fundamentals of financial management to hotels, restaurants, institutions,
and related service businesses.
MGT 5814 – Entrepreneurial Leadership
Plus two of:
HTM 5424 – Human Resource Management
HTM 5464 – Franchising in Hospitality Management
HTM 5444 – Financial Management in the Hospitality Service Industries
