Graduate Program

Students can earn a Master of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM). Students can complete the program on campus or completely online through NMSU Global. The emphasis in HRTM combines both coursework and research to expand the student’s knowledge, abilities, and problem-solving skills.

Students begin the program by learning about the current trends in a wide range of hotel, restaurant and tourism academic research areas. Students also take graduate classes that apply to their chosen area of specialization. Some students focus on general hospitality management. However, most choose an area of interest such as tourism, foodservice, hotel operations, culinary arts, destination management, revenue management, sales and marketing, hospitality or culinary education, beverage management, vacation ownership, hospitality information systems, or human resource management/training. Some of our students are hospitality educators who may desire to take specialization courses in online teaching or educational technology.

Students with undergraduate degrees in closely related fields (including Business, Information Technology, Food Science, Culinary Arts, and Education) are strongly encouraged to apply.  We welcome students from under-represented groups, international student applications and non-traditional applicants who have work experience or are currently working in the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry or education. These students bring unique views to our program and strengthen our breadth and diversity.

In addition to the Graduate School requirements, the admissions criteria for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Program include letters of reference and other materials. Suggested departmental deadlines for review of admission materials are six weeks prior to the first day of the semester of desired start. Please obtain a complete description of admission requirements from the department

A minimum of 30 credits (including 4-6 credits of thesis) is required under the thesis plan. A non-thesis plan is available that requires a minimum of 32 credits of course work with a written comprehensive examination. Both plans require a final oral examination. Students will take 3 credits of statistics and 3 credits of research methodology at the graduate level. Students without work experience in HRTM will complete a paid internship in their area of specialization. Prior to the completion of 12 credits, the student will form a program advisory committee and determine the appropriate courses for the degree work.

There are a limited number of graduate teaching assistant positions available for on campus students.

Important Links:

• MS in Family and Consumer Sciences - HRTM Concentration - Curriculum 
• 2023-2024 HRTM Graduate Information Packet
• NMSU Graduate School
• Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Programs
• Apply to NMSU
• NMSU Academic Calendar

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