The PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management is a research-focused doctoral program designed to prepare candidates for scholarly and professional leadership roles in tourism, hospitality, and related industries. Delivered online, this program combines advanced coursework with a supervised research thesis that contributes original knowledge to the field. Students begin with foundational courses in research methods and advanced management, followed by specialized tourism and hospitality modules, before progressing to their dissertation.
Year 1 – Fall Semester
Advanced Management (MGMT601) – 3 Credits
Advanced Research Methods (MGMT604) – 3 Credits
Leadership in Hotel Management and Human Resource (THM602) – 3 Credits
Year 1 – Spring Semester
Yield Management for Tourism Industry (THM603) – 3 Credits
Service Operations Management (THM606) – 3 Credits
Competitive Strategy for the Hospitality Industry (THM607) – 3 Credits
Year 2 – Fall Semester
Elective – 3 Credits
Seminar in Tourism and Hospitality (THM600) – 3 Credits
Year 2 – Spring Semester
Qualification Exam (QUALIFIC) – 0 Credits
Year 3 & Year 4
Thesis (THES600) – 3 Credits
Electives (Sample Options)
Organizational Behavior (MGMT606) – 3 Credits
Advanced Report Writing and Social Science (MGMT605) – 3 Credits
Advanced Marketing Theory (MARK601) – 3 Credits
Theory of Consumer Behavior (MARK602) – 3 Credits
Completion of all required and elective courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Successful completion of the Qualification Exam.
Completion and defense of an original doctoral thesis.
Fulfillment of all university administrative and academic regulations.
Master’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality, Business, or a related discipline.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent in previous graduate studies.
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, or equivalent).
Research proposal aligned with the program’s focus areas.
Academic references supporting the applicant’s research and academic capabilities.
Students will be evaluated through:
Coursework Assignments – Applied projects and written tasks to assess theoretical and practical understanding.
Written Examinations – Testing knowledge and application of advanced tourism and hospitality concepts.
Seminar Participation – Engagement in research discussions and presentations in the Seminar in Tourism and Hospitality.
Research Progress Reports – Periodic updates on thesis development.
PhD Thesis – Original research dissertation with an oral defense before an academic panel.
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers such as:
University professors and academic researchers.
Senior executives in tourism and hospitality organizations.
Policy advisors in tourism development and planning.
Consultants in destination management and hospitality strategy.
Leadership positions in tourism boards, event organizations, and travel corporations.
100% online delivery, allowing flexibility for working professionals.
Access to experienced faculty with global industry and research expertise.
Networking opportunities with peers from diverse professional backgrounds.
Practical and research-driven curriculum aligned with global tourism trends.
Development of critical, analytical, and leadership skills.
Founded in 1985, GAU is Cyprus’s first private university, recognized globally for its innovative education and international reach. With a presence across three continents, GAU focuses on accessibility, relevance, and excellence, shaping students into global leaders.
The PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management (Online) is ideal for professionals and academics aiming to contribute to research and leadership in the tourism and hospitality industries. Through a combination of rigorous coursework and a research-intensive thesis, graduates emerge as innovators and leaders capable of influencing global tourism policy, management, and strategy.
An NCC Accredited Institute, We are committed to groom the youth of society to play an instrumental role in ever evolving modern day job market and entrepreneurial opportunities.
