Community Resources and Develo - Arizona State U

The Community Resources and Development (Parks and Recreation Management) MS program at ASU prepares students to analyze and address critical issues in tourism, parks and recreation management, nonprofits, and sustainable communities. Through a research-oriented approach, students develop skills in community services management, sustainability analysis, and problem-solving using community solution analysis. The program offers a thesis or applied project option and prepares graduates for careers in governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector businesses.

Program Outline

Community Resources and Development (Parks and Recreation Management), MS - MS | Degree Details | ASU Degree Search

Degree Overview:

Description:

This research-oriented program prepares students to analyze and address critical topics and issues in tourism, parks and recreation management, nonprofits, NGOs, and sustainable communities. Students learn to approach and solve community-related problems through the lens of community solution analysis, considering regulatory, policy, and relationship factors for informed decision-making.

Objectives:

Develop skills in community services management and development.

Conduct research in tourism and related fields.

Prepare for careers in parks and recreation management, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector businesses.

Program Features:

Emphasis on research and critical thinking.

Faculty mentorship and guidance.

Opportunity to customize the program through electives and thesis/project options.

Length:

Completion of the program typically takes two years of study.

Outline:

Required Core (15 credit hours):

CRD 500: Research Methods (3 credits)
CRD 502: Statistical and Data Analysis (3 credits)
CRD 530: Community Services Management (3 credits) or advanced inquiry course (3 credits)
CRD 552: Critical Issues (3 credits)
CRD 555: Theoretical Perspectives in Community Development (3 credits)

Concentration (6 credit hours):

CRD 569: Advanced Tourism and Recreation Studies (3 credits)
TDM 570: Sustainable Tourism (3 credits)

Electives (3 or 9 credit hours):

Choose from a variety of courses relevant to your interests and career goals.

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours):

CRD 593: Applied Project (6 credits) or
CRD 599: Thesis (6 credits)
Students choose between a thesis or applied project option.
The thesis option is research-oriented and recommended for students planning further graduate studies.
The applied project option focuses on professional development and career advancement.

Assessment:

Assessment methods may include:

Exams
Papers
Presentations
Projects
Thesis/dissertation

Assessment criteria may include:

Knowledge and understanding of course material
Ability to apply concepts to real-world problems
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Communication and writing skills

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

Lectures
Seminars
Group discussions
Case studies
Field trips

Faculty:

The program boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.

Unique approaches:

The program emphasizes community solution analysis, a distinctive approach to problem-solving that considers all relevant factors.

Careers:

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

Governmental agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Private-sector businesses

Specific career examples include:

Community services officers
Nonprofit and NGO officers
Parks and recreation officers
Tourism officers

Other:

The program offers an accelerated option for students to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in five years.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.00.
International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and a financial guarantee statement.