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Graduate Degree Programs
A leader in parks, recreation and tourism education.
Research shows that the average annual salary of a person holding a master’s degree (M.S.) in the parks, recreation and tourism management field is $16,000 more annually or $480,000 more over a 30-year career, compared to someone without. Most advanced senior management positions require the credential, with the top 25% of people in the field with a M.S. making $88,000 or more annually.
Our M.S. programs are designed with an emphasis on innovation, creativity, advanced practice and entrepreneurship to help you choose the learning path that best fits your career aspirations. If you are a practitioner in the field, online program options provide you with the skills to lead and manage parks, recreation, and tourism management related agencies. If you are planning to undertake doctoral study or want to work in leadership positions that require research skills in your profession, our on-campus, thesis-based M.S. places greater emphasis on research design and methodology.
Our PhD program is designed to develop strong researchers and teachers in PRTM. The PhD curriculum focuses on enhancing and building your research skills, creating your own research trajectory, and building pedagogical rigor. Our program is flexible and can be completed online or in person.
Applicants are responsible for finding a PRTM faculty member with an aligned research area who agrees to advise them in order to be accepted into the PRTM graduate program. Applicants should review bios (link to the website) and reach out to faculty members via email to discuss potential advising opportunities. Applicants can communicate with the PRTM Graduate Coordinator for recommendations on which faculty members to contact.
Click here to view the Graduate Student Research Poster Presentation Program.
Program Options
M.S. in PRTM (On Campus)
If you are planning to undertake doctoral study or want to work in leadership positions that require research skills in your profession, our on-campus, thesis-based M.S. places greater emphasis on research design and methodology.
M.S. in PRTM (Online)
If you are a practitioner in the field, our online program option provides you with the skills to lead and manage parks, recreation, and tourism management related agencies.
M.S. in Youth Development Leadership (Online)
Our online M.S. in Youth Development Leadership prepares students to address issues facing youth in the context of family and community with an emphasis on positive outcomes through a dynamic learning environment.
Ph.D. in PRTM
Our doctoral program helps you build a solid foundation in your area of interest with opportunities to plan and conduct research. You can choose to earn your doctoral degree either on campus or online, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your career and life.
