Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, MS

Program Description

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) offers a Master of Science (MS) degree (thesis and non-thesis). Flexibility permits individual development in professional interest areas such as parks, conservation and outdoor recreation; recreational therapy; recreational therapy and adaptive sports; tourism and event management; and sport and recreation management. Each student’s program is tailored to suit personal and professional goals. Applicants from other disciplines may be required to develop background knowledge of parks, recreation, and tourism through undergraduate coursework.

The Master of Science (thesis) degree is designed for individuals seeking employment in a research-related position or planning to undertake doctoral study. The Master of Science (non-thesis) is for practitioners desiring an advanced degree or those looking for a career change.

Summary of Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

The MS (thesis) degree is designed for individuals seeking employment in a research-related position or planning to undertake doctoral study. This master’s thesis option degree program includes a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit and a minimum of six hours of master’s thesis research (PRTM 8910 ).

Non-Thesis Option

The MS (non-thesis) is for practitioners desiring an advanced degree or those looking for a career change. The non-thesis option is delivered either fully online with students required to participate in weekly synchronous class periods, or through a combination of online and traditional classes for students who choose to attend on campus. This master’s non-thesis degree program includes a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit, none of which may be master’s thesis research.

Coursework

Thesis Option

Core Courses (17 credits)

• PRTM 8010 - Philosophical Foundations of Recreation and Park Administration 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8080 - Behavioral Aspects of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8110 - Research Methods in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8910 - Master’s Thesis Research 1-12 Credits  
• PRTM 9100 - Research Seminar 1 Credit  

Collateral Area (19 credits)

• Statistics (3-4 credits)
• Research methods in addition to PRTM 8110  (3 credits)
• 12-13 hours additional classes to be selected by student with advisor’s approval

Non-Thesis Option

Core Courses (24 credits)

• Up to two courses, except PRTM 8300  and PRTM 8880 , may be substituted with additional elective courses with the consent of the graduate program coordinator.
• PRTM 8030 - Seminar in Recreation and Park Administration 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8060 - Special Problems 1-3 Credits  OR  PRTM 8880 - Capstone: Applying Learning Outcomes to PRTM Issues and Organizations 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8210 - Innovative and Creative Funding Strategies in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8230 - Operating in Political Environments in the Public and Non-Profit Sectors 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8250 - Understanding Populations in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8260 - Data Use for Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Professionals 3 Credits  

Elective Courses (6 credits)

In consultation with their advisor, students select two courses.

• PRTM 6460 - Community Tourism Development 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8070 - Human Dimension of Outdoor Recreation and Public Land Visitation 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8220 - Strategic Planning in PRTM Organizations 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8300 - Applied Philosophical Foundations of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8310 - Applied Behavioral Aspects of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8320 - Introduction to Adaptive Sports and Recreation 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8330 - Adaptive Sports Program and Event Planning 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8340 - Contemporary Issues in Sport 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8350 - Organization and Administration of Sport 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8360 - Executive Leadership and Governance in Public and Nonprofit Organizations 3 Credits  
• PRTM (CRP) 8440 - Outdoor Recreation Resource Management and Planning 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8460 - Event Management: Special Events 3 Credits  
• PRTM 8620 - Sports Development Through the Lifespan 3 Credits  

Outcomes, Learning Objectives, and Graduation Requirements

Thesis Option

The traditional, in person MS is a research degree with a thesis requirement. This degree is designed for people planning to undertake doctoral study or research related positions in their chosen profession. The goal of this degree is to produce a skilled professional capable of research with minimal supervision.

Non-Thesis Option

Those students choosing the online MS (non-thesis) are typically already working in the field or plan to do so upon completion of the degree requirements. This degree does not require a thesis and instead utilizes a capstone course with associated project to evaluate cumulative knowledge and skill acquisition. The goal of this degree is to develop student competencies in the applications of advanced service delivery skills.