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Recreation and Sport Management (M.S.)

The Recreation and Sport Management program is designed to prepare students for administrative careers in the field, utilizing strategic management skills to coordinate recreation and leisure services in various settings.

Program Overview

The program's affiliation with practitioners brings innovative content to the classes, and the strong alumni connection provides continued professional development support and job opportunities.

Course Work

M.S. courses are offered in different content delivery formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid. Courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, with most being project-based and applicable to the student's current or future area of work in the recreation industry. Students typically complete the program in two years without taking summer courses. For students with professional experience or undergraduate studies in recreation management, a thesis route is available to pursue independent research related to their professional area of expertise.

Degree Options

• Degree: M.S.
• Hours: 36
• Thesis Option: Non-Thesis (Accelerated Online)
• Location: Online
• Degree: M.S.
• Hours: 30
• Thesis Option: Thesis (Accelerated Online)
• Location: Online

Program Details

Graduate students in leisure services include a diverse range of ages, experience levels, and backgrounds. Some students have recently graduated from their undergraduate programs, while others are seasoned veterans in the field of recreation seeking to advance their careers.

Program Mission

The recreation and sport management program at Texas State University focuses on innovative and evidence-based professional preparation to ready students for various careers within the leisure services profession. The program adheres to values of real-world experience and evidence-based practices, preparing professionals to meet the ever-changing needs of constituents. The goals are to prepare graduates who will lead the advancement of leisure services through innovative programming, professional service, and research.

Career Options

The professional recreation manager works in diverse settings, serving consumers across the lifespan. Previous graduates of the program have worked in professional roles such as directors of parks and recreation for municipalities, state park superintendents, outdoor program directors, aquatics specialists, and other recreation and sport management positions. Graduates may seek credentials such as a certified park and recreation professional or registry of collegiate recreational sports professionals.

Program Faculty

Faculty members of the M.S. program are involved in research pertaining to professional competencies, management issues, recreation education, outdoor recreation, mindfulness, serving diverse constituencies, and understanding leisure spaces. Faculty regularly serve in professional leadership roles for continuing education and professional associations. Faculty experience is supported by adjunct graduate faculty who also hold prominent professional positions, bringing current professional practice to the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.

• Application: completed online application
• Application Fee: $55 nonrefundable application fee, or $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• Transcripts & GPA:
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
  • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
  • A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
• Test Scores:
  • GRE: not required
  • Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores:
    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
• Documents:
  • statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) addressing the following:
    • What experiences have led you to pursue graduate studies in recreation management?
    • What qualities, values, characteristics do you possess that will enable you to meet the academic rigors of graduate education?
    • What are your career goals relating to obtaining a master's degree?

Application Deadlines

• Term: Fall
• Part of Term: First 8 Weeks
• Deadline: August 5
• Start Date: August 19
• Term: Fall
• Part of Term: Second 8 Weeks
• Deadline: September 24
• Start Date: October 8
• Term: Spring
• Part of Term: First 8 Weeks
• Deadline: January 4
• Start Date: January 19
• Term: Spring
• Part of Term: Second 8 Weeks
• Deadline: February 23
• Start Date: March 9