Program Requirements

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The M.S. degree in Recreation and Tourism Studies is offered jointly by the School of Community Resources and Development and the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management. Completion of the M.S. degree usually requires two years of study for full time students. Advising in both options is under the direct supervision of an assigned faculty member. Students will be assigned to a faculty advisor with whom they will consult when selecting classes. A supervisory committee is also formed, usually during the second semester, and reflects the interests of the student and faculty. Each student develops her/his program of study in consultation with the advisor and supervisory committee.

Students may select a thesis or professional option. Thesis students will be involved in a major research project under the direction of their faculty advisors, culminating in a thesis. This is the option you should select if you have an interest in a research oriented position within an organization or agency, or wish to pursue a doctorate degree. Practicum students will complete a research project that identifies and addresses an applied problem or issue relevant to a partner agency/organization under the direction of their faculty advisors. This is the option you should select if you are interested in a managerial level position within an organization or agency.

The required core classes emphasize knowledge and skills all graduates must have. Electives are designed to concentrate in one of the two emphasis areas, recreation or tourism. Depending on the option chosen, students will complete either a thesis or a practicum. Both are research projects, but the practicum is more applied in nature.

Thesis Option (30 credits)*

Required courses (15 credits)

  • REC 500, Research Methods
  • REC 502, Data and Statistical Analysis
  • REC 552, Critical Issues in R & T
  • REC 555, Social and Psychological Aspects of R & T Behavior
  • Advanced inquiry

Electives (9 credits)
Students select 9 credits of electives under the direction of their advisor.

Thesis (6 credits)
REC 599, Thesis

Students need to write a proposal for their thesis and do an oral presentation followed by questions from their thesis committee (called a proposal defense). When the thesis is complete, it must be presented and defended to the thesis committee and other interested people.

Professional Option (36 credits)*

Required courses (15 credits)

  • REC 500, Research Methods
  • REC 502, Data and Statistical Analysis
  • REC 530, R & T Service Management
  • REC 552, Critical Issues in R & T
  • REC 555, Social and Psychological Aspects of R & T Behavior

Electives (15 credits)
Students select 15 credits of electives under the direction of their advisor.

Practicum (6 credits)
REC 580, Practicum

Students need to write a proposal for their practicum project and do an oral presentation followed by questions from their practicum committee (called a proposal defense). When the practicum project is complete, it must be presented and defended to the thesis committee and other interested people.

*Some students may be required to take 6 credits of undergraduate prerequisites if they do not have a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Tourism or a closely related field (such as Leisure Studies). These are called "deficiencies" and are intended to provide a basic understanding of the field. These are selected in conjunction with the student's advisor.