Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration

History and Academic Philosophy

Founded in 1922, the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration pioneered hospitality education and has continued to set the standard for over a century. It is recognized as the leading school for hospitality business and the only Ivy League school of its kind. The Nolan School's curriculum has consistently evolved, pushing boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in tradition, reflecting a history of leadership in the field.

Teaching Model and Experiential Learning

The Nolan School employs a distinctive teaching model that blends top-tier business and hospitality education with engaging experiential learning. This approach is evident in its undergraduate program, where students can become head chef at The Establishment, a real restaurant, and build industry connections at the student-run Hotel Ezra Cornell conference. The curriculum integrates finance, banking, real estate, and analytics, allowing students to tailor their career paths. Graduate programs also combine business education with hospitality specialization to accelerate careers, offering options like a Master of Management in Hospitality and an Executive Master of Management in Hospitality. Research-focused M.S. and Ph.D. programs provide training in hospitality management, with students collaborating with faculty on practical challenges.

Accreditation and Credibility

As an Ivy League institution, the Nolan School holds significant academic credibility. It is consistently ranked among the top hospitality management programs, notably No. 5 in U.S. hospitality management by CEOWORLD in 2026. This recognition underscores its commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping future leaders in the hospitality industry.

Signature Programs

The school offers a range of programs catering to various career stages. Key offerings include:

• Undergraduate Program: Blends business and hospitality education with experiential learning, including roles at The Establishment and Hotel Ezra Cornell.
• Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH): A graduate program combining business education with hospitality specialization.
• Executive Master of Management in Hospitality (EMMH): Designed for professionals and executives.
• Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate: Offered through the Rubacha Department of Real Estate.
• Cornell-Peking MMH/MBA: A joint program.
• M.S. and Ph.D. Programs: Research-focused training in hospitality management.

Industry Network and Community

The Nolan School fosters a strong, people-focused community known as the "Hotelie" network. This network extends to a lifelong alumni community that supports students through mentorship, hiring, and speaking engagements on campus. Faculty, who are instructors, practitioners, and researchers, advance hospitality in fields such as real estate finance, food and beverage, and services management. They prepare students to be emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and skilled in service. The school's leadership, including Dean Ceridwyn King, emphasizes a collaborative approach, encouraging engagement across disciplines and fostering a community that promotes rigorous debate and lifelong connection.