The Professional Certificate in Hospitality Management & Leadership program consists of 6 online courses which are offered a few times each year. You can take the courses in any order. Please visit the program website for more information.

Whether you want to advance your career in hospitality or build a new one, the Professional Certificate in Hospitality Management & Leadership from the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies provides the specialized knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Grounded in the principles of global and strategic development and management, this program will build your expertise in hotel and resort management. Learn from some of the industry's leading experts on winning approaches to sales and marketing, effective sustainability initiatives, talent development, financial management and business analytics.The Professional Certificate in Hospitality Management & Leadership program consists of 6 online courses which are offered a few times each year. You can take the courses in any order. Please visit the program website for more information.

 

Coursework will feature presentations, reading, online mentoring, discussion boards, and guest lecturers.

Here is a brief outline of what is included in each course. Plan on spending approximately 10-12 hours on the course:

  • Main lecture presented as a PowerPoint presentation by the course Instructor (1.5 hours)
  • Reading the course manual and supplemental readings (4-6 hours)
  • Two discussion board posts based on readings (1 hour)
  • A guest lecture (1 hour)
  • Final assignment (1-3 hours)

 
COURSES
The following courses are being offered in October 2026. Please click on the Courses/Instructors tab to view the course description and instructor bio.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday,  September 15, 2026

Welcome & Program Introduction session (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)

Week 1: 604 Hospitality Financial Management (October 5 - 11, 2026)  

Week 2: 605 Hospitality Digital Marketing (October 12 - 18, 2026)

Week 3: 606 Effective Leadership in Hospitality (October 19 - 25 , 2026)

Course Fees: Each course is $495 individually. But courses may be purchased in a three-course bundle for a discounted rate of $1350. Please take a look at the Fees tab to get more details on early bird registration discounts.


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Requirements for the Professional Certificate in Hospitality Management & Leadership

To earn the certificate, you must complete all six courses in the program. 

Required Courses

In each course, you will have the opportunity to improve your professional standing and expand your industry network. Courses are open for a week at a time and take about eight hours to complete. Coursework includes presentations, readings, online mentoring, discussion boards, and guest lectures by hospitality professionals.

  • 601: Global Talent Development
  • 602: Sustainable Hospitality Strategies
  • 603: Hospitality Business Analytics
  • 604: Hospitality Financial Management
  • 605: Hospitality Digital Marketing
  • 606: Effective Leadership in Hospitality

 

ADMISSIONS 

To be admitted to the Professional Certificate in Hospitality Management & Leadership program, students must have completed the equivalent of a high school diploma. The Professional Certificate in Hospitality Management & Leadership program is a non-degree program that provides continuing education credits (CEUs). Federally funded or other student loan programs or scholarships are not available, and the program is not eligible for deferment of such loans. 

 

IMPORTANT POLICIES

Refund Policy 

If a student withdraws from the Professional Certificate in Hospitality Management & Leadership program thirty days or more before the start date, refund is 100% of tuition minus a $100 withdrawal fee. If a student withdraws from the program within fifteen days of the start date, no refund is granted. A student who withdraws between the thirty- and fifteen- day will either receive a full credit for a future session or a 50% refund. 

 

Financial Obligation 

All financial obligations to The George Washington University must be met to receive a certificate.