Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Sciences

Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies – MS8135

Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy
Ohio University – Athens Campus
McCracken Hall 202C
100 East Union Street
Athens, Ohio, 45701
740.593.4656
rsp@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring

Program Overview

The Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduate program combines coursework, research, and practical experiences to cultivate parks, recreation and leisure services professionals and scholars. The program is committed to enriching our communities through model outreach programs and activities and to advancing scholarship that informs policy and practice. The program offers three specializations: Outdoor Recreation & Education, Recreation Management, and Campus Recreation specializations. Students often couple their interests in parks, recreation and leisure studies with other complementary areas of study, such as coaching education, sustainable tourism, environmental studies, event planning management, and others. The program is a 36-hour program and takes three to four semesters to complete.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for this program are aligned with the accreditation standards of the Council on the Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Programs (COAPRT). Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate mastery level knowledge and expertise in the following:

• the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, and leisure services industry;
• techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries;
• the foundations of the profession in history, science and philosophy; and,
• operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, and leisure studies.

Opportunities for Graduates

Upon completion of the degree, students should qualify for direct leadership, supervisory, and administrative positions in a wide variety of professional settings. Some of these settings include municipal park and recreation departments; state and federal parks and protected areas; youth service agencies; residential camps; non-profit civic and religious organizations; private/commercial agencies; campus recreation programs; tourism enterprises; and adventure programs and guide services. Program graduates should also be qualified to pursue an advanced degree in parks, recreation, and leisure studies or a related discipline. Many program graduates continue on to pursue a Ph.D. with the goal of contributing to the discipline from within the ranks of academia.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/education/recreation-sport-pedagogy/rec-studies.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the University, applicants must provide the following materials before being considered for admission into the master’s program in Recreation Studies:

1. Completed application for admission into Ohio University, which is available online at http://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply.cfm
2. Official transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required if your overall undergraduate GPA is less than 2.9 (or less than 3.25 for the last 60 hours of study) on a 4.0 point scale.
4. A two page typed essay that includes information about your background and prior experience, your professional purpose and career goals, and how the Recreation Studies program can help you to fulfill your goals.
5. A resume of your educational background and professional work experience.
6. Three letters of recommendation using the recommendation form provided on the Forms page of the Graduate College website. At least one reference must be from someone who can attest to your qualifications in your chosen field and at least one must be from an academic faculty member who can support your ability to produce successful academic work at the graduate level. Please be certain to identify your intended concentration before giving the form to the person providing the reference.

Applications are accepted year round. Typically, applications for both admission and financial aid for the next academic year should be received by February 15. International students also must present TOEFL scores (minimum of written 575, computer 233, and online 79 for consideration) and apply by February 1.

Requirements for admission into graduate study at Ohio University can found on the Graduate College website or in this catalog. Note: You must request official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) be sent directly from the testing agency. Student supplied photocopies are not accepted as official, but may be included for review and to assist with official score matching. The Ohio University reporting code is 1593.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours as follows: