• 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.  All of this is developed under the umbrella of public health to amplify the covenants of social justice, equity, access, and most of all: the pursuit of happiness.

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 Health & Wellness Design. 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.

Public Health Foundations Requirement (0 credits)
All new master's degree students must complete the Public Health Foundations online course no later than the end of their first semester of graduate study. Complete details and registration information for this course can be found iu.instructure.com/enroll/MNG3L6

Outdoor Recreation Foundation Courses (17–20 credits)
Complete each of the following courses:

• SPH-O 510 Human Health, Quality of Life, & Natural Environments (3 cr.)
• SPH-Q 501 Introduction to Statistics in Public Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 510 Philosophy of Leisure and Recreation (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 511 Administrative Theory & Practice in Leisure (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 590 Introduction to Research in Health & Wellness Design (3 cr.)

Capstone Courses (2-5 credits)
Complete one of the following courses:

• SPH-R 598 Master's Project in Administration (2–4 cr.)
• SPH-R 599 Master's Thesis (5 cr.)
• SPH-R 697 Internship in Recreation & Parks (2-4 cr.)

Specialization Courses (12 credits)
Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of specialization courses within the Department of Health & Wellness Design. 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.

Remaining Electives (3–6 cr.)
Complete electives to reach the required minimum 35 graduate-level credits. Electives must be selected with advisor approval.

Special Opportunities

Graduate academic appointments are available for students pursuing graduate studies in the Department of Health & Wellness Design. 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 IU Outdoor Adventures or the Division of Recreational Sports; or other special assignments.

Careers

Graduates with the M.S. in Recreation have the necessary skills for successful careers in the development, implementation, and leadership of experiences, programs, and places that promote meaningful and healthy relationships between people and the outdoors.

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, a career in Outdoor Recreation means enhancing the quality of life for all people through advancing environmental conservation efforts, social equity, and health and wellness. The job outlook for PRO graduates is excellent. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated in 2019 that employment of recreation workers is projected to grow 10 percent by 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As more emphasis is placed on the importance of lifelong well-being, more recreation workers will be needed to work with children and adults in a variety of settings. The Department of Health & Wellness Design prepares a monthly nationwide listing of jobs in the field which totals more than 1,500 potential positions for graduates annually.