The Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) is designed for professionals and executives who are interested in expanding their careers in applied research in hospitality businesses, leading to career growth and acquiring opportunities related to teaching, consulting and senior leadership roles. DGHL will also prepare current educators and university administrators to achieve tenure-track faculty and leadership positions in colleges and universities.

Candidates in the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) will take courses in cohorts, focusing on real-world research applications and engaging in dissertation requirements. This will be achieved without discontinuing and disrupting their professional careers, as classes in this degree program are 100% online.

The DGHL program is a 3-year, professional and non-residential program. Students take three courses per semester (spring and fall). In the third year, students will focus on their dissertations. The number of credits required to earn the degree is 54.

The DGHL program is designed for professionals with extensive industry experience and educators who either already hold a master of science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management or have a similar advanced degree.

Admission requirements:

Applicants are required to submit the following materials for admission to the DGHL program:

• Online Application—Apply Texas System
• Resume
• Statement of Intent
• Official College Transcripts— Recommended Master’s degree cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 or higher
• Three Letters of Recommendation

• Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores—must comply with the English proficiency requirements set by the University of Houston

After applicants pass the paper review process, the admission committee will interview each candidate for admission decisions. 

Courses Include:

• Current Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Global Hospitality Industry
• Principles of Research Methods and Design
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Teaching Methods I
• Theories in Hospitality
• Research Colloquium I
• Advanced Hospitality Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Research Colloquium II
• Strategic Decision-Making in Hospitality Management
• Hospitality Project and Program Development, Assessment and Sustainability
• Research Colloquium III
• Teaching Methods II
• Dissertation Research Proposal (Independent Study)
• Doctoral Seminar on Global Hospitality Leadership
• Dissertation I
• Dissertation II