Cornell’s Masters Management Degree

The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration has restructured its professional master's degree programme to better serve the changing needs of students and the industry. Starting in June 2005, students entering the college can earn the Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) degree in three intensive semesters over 12 months.

The Cornell MMH degree offers many new attributes, most notably a series of career tracks that enables students to build depth in their chosen area of emphasis. Students cluster electives in such disciplines as food and beverage management, lodging, real estate and revenue management. Under the lead of faculty advisors who specialise in their chosen discipline, students engage with industry leaders in a robust array of networking and educational events.

"Cornell faculty members partner with industry leaders to make this a distinctive educational programme for our students," said Leo Renaghan, associate dean at the Cornell Hotel School. "Through our faculty's theoretical and practical research and its regular interaction with industry leaders, we help shape the global knowledge base for the industry and help shape careers for our students. Our students also have access to an extensive network of Hotel School alumni who hold senior positions across all industry sectors around the globe."

The new 12-month format decreases both the real and opportunity costs versus the original two-year, four-semester programme. "We have enhanced the programme while also making it more accessible to young professionals and graduates," said Professor Sherri Kimes, who serves as director of graduate programmes for the School. "We believe this intensive programme will give our students the knowledge and focus they need to help lead what is the world's largest, most dynamic industry, added Kimes."

Accredited by AACSB-I, the MMH offers courses in communications, corporate finance, human resources, information systems, managerial accounting, marketing, operations, organisational behaviour, property development and strategy. On the eligibility criteria, Kimes said, "Programme candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in a career in hospitality, as well as competence in finance, statistics and financial accounting. Undergraduate degrees can obtained in any subject, provided the student performs exceptionally. Work experience in the field is preferable but not a necessity, while managerial experience in any field is a valued attribute."