The Executive Master�s Track Distance Learning Program is an intensive, 18-month program that will make coursework and lectures available via CD ROM and the Internet, thus enabling students to complete the degrees requirement of 30 credit hours/10 courses, no matter where they work and live. Graduates will hold a Master of Science in Hospitality Management.

�One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome for Hospitality professionals looking for a high-quality degree program is often distance, � said Joseph J. West, dean of FIU�s School of Hospitality Management. �This new way of delivering the courses for this degree effectively overcomes that while maintaining our high standard for quality of instruction.�

Courses will be offered over five semesters -- two courses per semester, one course every eight weeks. Classroom-based lectures, which are being recorded each semester on CD-ROM, will be accompanied by online chat rooms, special bulletins, threaded discussions and testing.

Participants will have convenient, one-on-one contact with professors via e-mail. Group learning projects also will be facilitated through the Internet.

Requirements for prospective students include a bachelor�s degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum of five years lodging, food service or tourism-related management experience and a current management position in the lodging, food service or tourism industries. Additionally, prospective students must be computer literate and be able to show either completion of coursework in basic Accounting and Finance or have equivalent working knowledge.

The initial 2002-03 cohort will begin in May 2002 and will complete degree requirements by November 2003.
 

Located at FIU-Biscayne Bay in North Miami, the FIU School of Hospitality Management is widely recognized by industry leaders as one of the nation's top-rated programs.