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Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management

Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, M.S. (Online)

Clemson University is among the nation’s top universities in graduate education in the fields of parks, recreation, tourism and related disciplines.

The M.S. (online, non-thesis) is offered as an entirely online graduate degree program with an emphasis on the student who is already a practitioner in the field. The degree is focused on giving the student a solid foundation of the theoretical underpinnings of the field, while also developing the student’s practical administrative, management and leadership skills.

A leader in online parks, recreation and tourism education.

Our well-established online Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management master's (M.S.) degree program helps working professionals pursue their passion, reset their careers and advance professionally. You learn from world-class faculty and leading practitioners who are at the top of their fields, and complete your credential in two years while taking one course at a time in an 8-week format.

  • Overview

    Students learn from a mix of leading university faculty and world-class practitioners and take 10 classes over two years, meeting online in the evening once a week with faculty and fellow graduate students – making sure you can continue to work full-time while earning your master’s degree.

    The online format ensures your classroom travels with you. All you need is a laptop and internet connection.

  • Application Deadline

    Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, giving you the flexibility to start your program in either the spring or fall semester.

  • Admission Requirements

    Enrollment requires that the student hold a bachelor’s degree for admission into the master’s (online, non-thesis) program.

    Prospective students must complete an application and submit:

    • Undergraduate transcripts demonstrating a successful bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and including:
    • GPA, of undergraduate studies with a minimum of 3.0* out of 4.0
    • If English is your second language, you must also submit acceptable TOEFL scores.
    • Two letters of reference that specifically address your ability to be successful in a graduate program in parks, recreation and tourism
    • A résumé
    • A personal statement indicating your interests, background, intent for pursuing a master’s degree and how it will advance your career 
    • Recreational Therapy students must have proof of current CTRS certification or be eligible to sit for the national exam

    A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the online, non-thesis program.

    Visit Clemson University Graduate School Admissions to learn more about admission requirements, how to apply and important dates.

  • Program Requirements

    The M.S. non-thesis in PRTM consists of 30 credit hours of online coursework. Course work is offered through a combination of weekly evening synchronous meetings through Zoom and asynchronous delivery methods using Canvas.

    The M.S. non-thesis contains seven core classes, two speciality area classes, and a three credit hour course that applies learning outcomes from the program to current PRTM issues and organizations.

    Courses are offered in eight-week time intervals each semester. 

  • Financial Information

    Tuition and Fees

    Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator. (Be sure to choose the ‘online’ tab at the top of the page.)

    Financial Aid
    For information regarding Financial Aid, please contact the office of Student Financial Aid.

    Employee Tuition Assistance Program

    Clemson University's Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP) permits employees who are accepted to Clemson online programs (employees must go through the same rigor and process as any other student), the ability to utilize the full ETAP benefit.

    This allows these accepted employees/students to be afforded the same benefits as employees/students who were pursuing non-online degrees. The benefit allows eligible employees the ability to have up to 6 credit hours waived per semester. Visit the ETAP program page for details.

  • Find Out More

    For more information, please contact the online programs coordinator, Erica King at prtmonline@clemson.edu or call (864) 656-3422. 

Meet Some of our Faculty

Clemson PRTM Faculty Member Tom O'Rourke

Tom O'Rourke

Between directing two large park systems and his service as a Board Member of the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tom O'Rourke has seen and managed it all. 

Clemson PRTM faculty member Phil Gaines.

Phil Gaines

Phil Gaines is legendary in the park field for his 38-year career at SC State Parks, where he worked up from an entry-level ranger to its Director – now he shares his insights along the way with our students. 

Jasmine Townsend

Jasmine Townsend

Jasmine Townsend, PRTM graduate coordinator leads the Adaptive Sport and Recreation Lab on the Clemson University campus with other adaptive sport researchers.

Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management | 170 Sirrine Hall