Frequently Asked Questions
SHA Executive Education offers the Professional Development Program (PDP), the General Managers Program (GMP), Online Learning, and Custom Programs.
PDP and GMP are offered on the Cornell campus in Ithaca, New York, USA. Online Learning is available through the Internet on your computer, and through videoconferencing and webinars. Custom Programs can be delivered on campus or at almost any location around the world.
While many cultures enrich the experience of all of our programs, English is the language of instruction. To participate fully and to receive the greatest benefit from all programs, participants must have well-developed English-language communication and reading-comprehension skills.
PDP participants must be employed full-time in the hospitality industry, or a related field, for a minimum of two continuous years prior to applying to the program.
GMP participants are qualified for attendance based on their position and scope of responsibility at a full-service hotel. GMP applicants include hotel general managers, assistant general managers, executive assistant managers, and resident managers.
Online Learning is open to all individuals interested in broadening their knowledge of the hospitality industry.
Yes, our Custom Programs personnel are happy to develop a custom program to meet your company’s unique needs. Learn more about these programs.
Executive Education courses are not considered credit earning for undergraduate or graduate degrees.
- Online Learning: The IDeaS Cornell Revenue Management and Strategic Leadership Scholarships are available for individuals interested in the Certificate in Advanced Hospitality Revenue Management: Pricing and Demand Strategies and/or the Certificate in Strategic Leadership for the Hospitality Professional. Multiple scholarships covering the certificate cost are awarded annually. Learn more or apply.
- PDP: The Leif Torne PDP Scholarship is an endowed fund that offers scholarships to PDP classroom participants currently working in Europe. Three awards of $1,100 each will be given. You may apply by completing the application form or by requesting an application. The completed scholarship application must be submitted with your PDP application and resume. There is a two-session-minimum attendance required in order to receive scholarship moneys. Scholarships will be awarded in early May.
- PDP and GMP: Several regional organizations, such as the Caribbean Hotel Association and the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH&RA), offer scholarship opportunities to their members; but these are neither funded nor administered by Cornell University.
Alternatively, you may want to check with hospitality or business associations within your region to explore possible funding sources.
If your organization wishes to sponsor a scholarship, contact the Office of Executive Education or the Office of Online Learning and Collaborative Programs.
SHA Executive Education does not offer degree-related courses; however, SHA does offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.
Online Learning offers master certificates (non-degree certificates) in the following areas:
PDP offers the Master Certification in Hospitality Leadership.
PDP courses are each three days and are held during two weeks in June-July. GMP is offered twice a year, in January and in June, for ten days. Online courses take two weeks to complete and are available year-round. Custom programs will vary depending on client needs.