Master of Science
Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism – MS8180
Department of Recreation, Sport Pedagogy, and Consumer Sciences
Ohio University – Athens Campus
Patton Hall 202
100 East Union Street
Athens, Ohio, 45701
rspcs@ohio.edu
Delivery Mode: Athens Campus
Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring
Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None
Program Overview
The Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism graduate program combines coursework, research, and practical experiences to cultivate parks, recreation, hospitality, and tourism 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: Hospitality Management; Outdoor Recreation and Education; and Recreation Management. Students often couple their interests in parks, recreation, hospitality, and tourism with other complementary areas of study, such as sustainable tourism, environmental studies, event planning and management, coaching education, and others. The program is a 30-hour program and takes two to three semesters to complete.
Program Learning Outcomes
The following program learning outcomes reflect the program’s core curriculum. Students graduating from the program will be able to:
- Identify and critically analyze current events, issues, and trends relevant to the field of parks, recreation, hospitality, and tourism;
- Critically analyze the value of the profession from various disciplinary perspectives (e.g. history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, etc.); and
- Apply research and evaluation principles and techniques to engage in critical analysis of theory and practice within the field of parks, recreation, hospitality, and tourism.
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 services agencies; residential camps; adventure programs and guide services; non-profit civic and religious organizations; campus recreation programs; restaurant and hotel operations; and the commercial recreation and tourism industry. Program graduates should also be qualified to pursue an advanced degree in parks, recreation, hospitality, and tourism 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-consumer-sciences/masters-parks-recreation-hospitality-tourism
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 Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism:
- Completed application for admission into Ohio University, which is available online at https://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply.
- Official transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended.
- A two-page typed essay that includes information about your background and prior experience, your professional purpose and career goals, and how the Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism program can help you to fulfill your goals.
- A resume of your educational background and professional work experience.
- 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 must also demonstrate English proficency as described in the Application and Admission section of the catalog and should apply by February 1.
Other requirements for admission into graduate study at Ohio University can be found in the Application and Admission section of this catalog. Applicants are not required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of the application process. However, those choosing to do so must request that official GRE scores be sent directly from the testing agency, using Ohio University reporting code 1593. Student supplied photocopies are not accepted as official, but may be included for review and to assist with official score matching.
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:
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