COURSE CURRICULUM

The Recreation Administration Master of Science option requires 30 credits of coursework designed to build strong foundations in recreation theory, administration, research, and applied professional practice. Students complete required core courses such as Concepts of Recreation and Leisure and Recreation Administration and Organizational Behavior, which introduce key principles of how recreation systems function and how organizations are managed. Research competency is developed through courses in research methods or data-driven decision-making along with statistics training, ensuring students can analyze data and evaluate programs effectively. A major component of the degree is the capstone experience, where students choose either a thesis track or a portfolio track depending on their career goals. The thesis track involves completing a formal research thesis and additional electives, while the portfolio track focuses on applied professional learning through a capstone seminar and a broader set of elective courses. Students then complete a significant number of electives, typically 12–18 credits within the Recreation Management and Policy department, covering areas such as recreation resource management, adaptive sport facilitation, law and policy in leisure services, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, fund development, internships, teaching practice, and independent study. In addition, students can take electives outside the department to broaden their expertise, including subjects in marketing, economics, sport administration, coaching, public health, environmental health, community health policy, psychology of sport, social issues in sport, youth risk behavior, adapted physical education, and social work perspectives on culture and oppression. The program typically takes about two years of full-time study, though students who require leveling courses or study part-time may take longer. Overall, the degree is structured to combine academic knowledge, research skills, and real-world experience, preparing graduates for leadership roles in recreation, parks, sport, tourism, health promotion, and community-based organizations.