Application Process

Admissions

Application process

The MSBA–HTM program welcomes new students in August, January, and May, with entry points in fall, spring, and summer. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and most decisions are made within about two weeks of receiving a complete application (including recommendations and transcripts), so early application is strongly encouraged.

1. 1. Check your fit

   The admissions committee reviews applications holistically, considering your academic record, work experience, and goals.

   Minimum requirements (degree applicants)

   • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
   • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (well-qualified applicants below 3.0 may still be considered through Provisional or Commonwealth Campus admission)

   Typical applicant profile

   • Two or more years of professional work experience
   • Some exposure to hospitality and tourism is common, but a specific major or current hospitality role is not required

   The program enrolls students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

2. 2. Prepare your materials

   For the MSBA–HTM degree, you will need:

   • Completed online Graduate School application
   • Scanned copies of official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
   • Résumé
   • Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a current or recent supervisor)
   • Academic and professional goals statement (1–2 pages, double-spaced)
   • A short (about two minutes) video introducing your career goals and why this is the right time for the MSBA–HTM
   • $75 non-refundable application fee

   For graduate certificate applicants, the materials are similar but do not require recommendation letters or the video.

   GMAT/GRE scores are not required for admission to the MSBA–HTM degree or certificates.

3. 3. Start your online application

   All applications are submitted through the Virginia Tech Graduate School application portal .

   When you start a new application, first select your application type:

   • Degree Seeking for the MSBA–HTM degree
   • Graduate Certificate for MSBA–HTM certificates
   • Non-Degree Seeking for Commonwealth Campus (take a course while you complete your application or test the fit)
   • Readmit if you are returning to the program

   Program of Study (degree applicants)

   • Program: Business Administration
   • Program option: Hospitality and Tourism Management
   • Degree type: Master of Science
   • Campus: National Capital Region (D.C.)
   • Select full-time or part-time and your intended start term

   You can save your progress at any time and return later to complete and submit your application.

4. 4. Know your timelines

   You may begin the MSBA–HTM degree or certificates in fall, spring, or summer. The program uses rolling admissions, but there are firm deadlines for international and domestic applicants each term.

   For the most current deadline dates, please refer to the Application Guidelines and the Virginia Tech academic calendar.

5. 5. Admission types

   The program offers several admission paths, depending on your academic record and goals:

   • Regular Admission – For applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, admitted directly to the MSBA–HTM degree.
   • Provisional Admission (master’s only) – For applicants with a GPA below 3.0 who show strong potential. Provisional students must complete four core courses with a B or better to transition automatically to regular status.
   • Commonwealth Campus (non-degree) – For applicants who do not yet meet regular or provisional standards, or who want to start with one course while completing their application. Courses taken in this status count toward the MSBA–HTM degree or certificates if you are later admitted, but Commonwealth Campus students are not eligible for financial aid while in this status.

   Certificate-only applicants who do not qualify for regular admission are considered for Commonwealth Campus status (provisional admission is not available for stand-alone certificates).

6. 6. International applicants

   In addition to the standard materials, international applicants may need:

   • A credential evaluation (course-by-course) from an approved agency if degrees are from outside the U.S.
   • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless eligible for a waiver
   • Appropriate visa documentation

   Details and score requirements are listed in the Application Guidelines and on the Graduate School site.

7. 7. After you submit

   Once all materials (including recommendation letters and transcripts) are received:

   • Your application is reviewed by the admissions committee
   • Most applicants receive a decision within approximately two weeks of completion
   • Admitted students who intend to enroll will need to send official transcripts directly to the Graduate Admissions Office

   For questions at any point in the process, applicants are encouraged to contact the MSBA–HTM team at msbahtm@vt.edu.