• Description of Program
• Degree Requirements
• Special Opportunities
• Careers

Description of Program

The Master of Science in Recreation degree with a major in outdoor recreation is designed for students interested in outdoor recreation management, resource management, camping administration, outdoor/environmental education and interpretation, outdoor leadership, and the dimensions of human ecology commonly associated with aspects of outdoor recreation and park management.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 35 credit hours is required for this program.  The Master of Science in Recreation degree must include a minimum of 20 credits from the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies.  A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C– is required in each course. All electives for completing the degree must be approved by the advisor.

Complete each of the following courses (12 cr.):

• HPER-R 500 Philosophy of Leisure and Recreation (3 cr.)
• HPER-R 520 Organizational Leadership for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Public Lands (3 cr.)
• HPER-T 590 Introduction to Research in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation (3 cr.)
• HPER-T 591 Introduction to Statistics in Public Health (3 cr.)

Complete one of the following courses (2-5 cr.):

• HPER-R 539 Master's Project in Administration (2-4 cr.)
• HPER-R 599 Master's Thesis (5 cr.)

Complete specialization courses (18 cr.):
Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours of specialization courses. A total of 12 hours must be taken within the Recreation Department. Choose from one of the four specialization areas: (1) Outdoor Interpretation, (2) Resource Management, (3) Outdoor Leadership, (4) Outdoor Recreation. Course selection must be approved by graduate advisor.

Complete remaining electives, if any are needed, to reach the required minimum 35 credits. (0 – 3 cr.)
Select electives with approval of advisor.

Special Opportunities

Graduate academic appointments are available for students pursuing graduate studies in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies. Selection criteria for a graduate assistantship or associate instructorship include scholarship records, experience, previous graduate work, and letters of recommendation. Duties for a student academic appointment may involve assisting faculty with teaching, research, or other departmental duties; teaching classes; working in the Division of Recreational Sports; or other special assignments.

Careers

The purpose of the master's program in outdoor recreation is to provide students with the skills necessary for successful careers in the development and implementation of experiences that promote meaningful and healthy relationships between people and the outdoors.