Doctoral Students in the U.S. Hospitality Programs: A Survey of their Demographic, Academic and Professional Characteristics

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a Web-based survey of students enrolled in the doctoral programs in Hospitality Management in the U.S.A. The purpose of this study is to develop a profile of the next generation of hospitality educators. Comparisons between international and domestic students' profiles and learning experiences are also emphasized. The study reveals significant differences between the two groups of students in terms of their characteristics, level of satisfaction, future career goals, motivation, sources of funding, areas of research interests, and other various aspects their learning experiences. Implications of these findings are discussed and potential venues for future research are presented.

Keywords:

• Hospitality education
• Graduate students
• Student profile
• Future scholars
• Ph.D. hospitality