Master of Science Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies (MS)
Lindsay Usher, PhD, Graduate Program Director
This program is designed to prepare students and practitioners for advanced study in the concepts, theories, research, and management of park, recreation and tourism services. Course work (30 credit hours) is designed to develop students' abilities to analyze research findings, conduct research in the field, and apply empirical data to practice and management. The program combines social science and management concepts and theories with applied problem-solving techniques specific to parks, recreation and tourism.
Admission
Admission and Entrance Requirements
Applicants for the MS in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies are required to submit credentials for consideration through the Office of Graduate Admissions at Old Dominion University. Students applying for admission with regular status must have:
- A completed online application via www.odu.edu/admission/graduate
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution
- 2.8 cumulative GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale ) *
- 3.0 GPA or higher in the undergraduate major *
- A combined GRE score of 291 or higher (verbal and quantitative sections) *
- Personal essay (no more than two pages) that describes: 1) previous professional experience in the PRT field, 2) educational career goals, 3) areas of research interest, 4) specific faculty member with whom student wants to study, 5) why student should be admitted, and 6) (if applicable) the specific graduate assistantship for which student wishes to be considered (and why they would be a good fit for that assistantship).
- Three letters of recommendation (from former professors or employers)
- Current copy of résumé
- Transcripts from all prior postsecondary institutions
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 on the paper-based test (or 79-80 on the iBT) for non-native English speakers
* Students who have a low GPA or a low GRE score may be considered for admission with provisional status.
* The program admissions committee will consider GRE/GMAT waiver requests for high potential candidates by considering application elements that demonstrate the ability to take on the rigor of graduate level studies. A request for waiver does not guarantee that a waiver will be granted.
Curriculum
Four required courses focus on areas in which the faculty believe each park, recreation and tourism graduate must be competent. Two research courses are required of all students, including one in applied statistics and the other in research methods. One elective in the PRTS program is required. Depending on the Capstone Experience selected, students must also take one or two electives in other programs or departments. Lastly, students must choose from one of two Capstone Experiences — a 6-credit hour thesis (Thesis Option), or a 3-credit hour research project (Research Project Option). The Thesis Option requires the successful defense of a thesis. The Research Project Option requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination covering the four required PRTS core courses. The specific courses in the curriculum are as follows:
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies Core | ||
PRTS 650 | Contemporary Issues in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies | 3 |
PRTS 720 | Advanced Leisure Theories and their Applications | 3 |
PRTS 740 | Recreation Management for Administrators | 3 |
or PRTS 730 | Park Management for Professionals | |
PRTS 770 | Grant Writing for Parks and Recreation | 3 |
Research Core | ||
FOUN 612 | Applied Research Methods in Education * | 3 |
or FOUN 611 | Introduction to Research Methods in Education | |
FOUN 722 | Introduction to Applied Statistics and Data Analysis | 3 |
PRTS Elective | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Tourist Behavior and Consumption | ||
Advanced Sustainable Tourism Management | ||
Youth Development in Recreation | ||
Electives ** | ||
Select 3-6 of the following: | 3-6 | |
Introduction to Mitigation and Adaptation | ||
Sustainability Leadership | ||
Participatory and Agent-Based Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization | ||
Public Budgeting and Financial Management | ||
Tools of Government | ||
Public-Private Partnerships | ||
Management and Governance of Nonprofit Organizations | ||
Managing Development and Change in Organizations | ||
Independent Study in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies | ||
Facility Management for Sport, Recreation and Entertainment | ||
Sponsorship and Event Planning | ||
Sport Finance | ||
Sport Law | ||
Note: List of electives is not comprehensive. Prior approval from graduate advisor is required for other possible electives. | ||
Capstone Experience | ||
Select one of the following: | 6 | |
Thesis Option: | ||
Thesis Research in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies | ||
Thesis in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies | ||
Research Project Option: *** | ||
Research Problems in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies | ||
Total Credit Hours | 30-33 |
- *
Required if completing the Thesis Option. If competing the Research Project Option, student can take FOUN 611.
- **
One Elective required if completing Thesis Option. Two Electives required if completing Research Project Option.
- ***
Denotes an additional requirement of comprehensive exam based on core course requirements.
Additional Requirements
Continuance and Exit Requirements
Students must meet all requirements for continuance as outlined in the graduate continuance policy for the University. Students completing the program of study must:
- Have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher
- Have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the major
- Demonstrate writing proficiency
- Satisfy all course competencies
- Pass an oral thesis proposal defense (thesis option only)
- Pass a comprehensive examination (research project option only)
- Complete a thesis/research project
- Have an exit interview with the program director
- File the necessary paperwork for graduation