Welcome to the Graduate Program web pages for the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. Our graduate program has produced leaders in private industry, public services, and in academia. The prestige of our department can largely be attributed to its faculty, both past and present. Our current faculty publishes more research than any department of its type, and has won multiple awards at the department and individual level (for both teaching and research).
Additionally, the Department has four active Professors and three Emeritus Professors in the Academy of Leisure Sciences; two active Professors and one Professor Emeritus in the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration; and two active Professors and two Professors Emeriti in the International Academy for the Study of Tourism.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences
The Ph.D. degree prepares students for a career as a university faculty member or research scientist in a government agency or the private sector.
(70 hours of graduate classes minimum, plus other courses assigned by the student’s advisory committee)
While the Ph.D. program is to be personalized for each student’s needs (by them and their advisor), the only true requirement is that all Ph.D. students MUST take a minimum of 21 RPTS credits (not including RPTS 691).
Though, Ph.D. Coursework should include:
– Minimum of 3 credits quantitative statistics
– Minimum of 3 credits qualitative statistics
– Minimum of 3 credits of research methods
– Minimum of 24 hours of RPTS 691 (Research)
Final degree plan MUST be approved by all members of their committee, and should reflect the rigor expected of a doctoral degree.
*All students must pass a final comprehensive examination administered by their advisory committee. At the end of the semester in which the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, and 693).
Master of Science (M.S.) – Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences
The Master of Science (thesis option) is designed for students interested in continuing on to advanced study in a doctoral program, as well as those entering professional service.
(36 hours of graduate classes minimum, plus other courses assigned by the student’s advisory committee)
While the M.S. thesis program is to be personalized for each student’s needs (by them and their advisor), the only true requirement is that all M.S. thesis students MUST take a minimum of 18 RPTS credits (not including RPTS 691).
Though, M.S. Coursework should include:
– Minimum of 3 credits statistics
– Minimum of 3 credits of research methods
– Maximum of 8 hours of RPTS 691 (Research)
Final degree plan MUST be approved by all members of their committee, and should reflect the rigor expected of a M.S. degree.
The Master of Science (non-thesis option) is intended for current professionals or those seeking a degree leading to professional service in recreation, parks, or tourism.
(36 hours of graduate classes minimum, plus other courses assigned by the student’s advisory committee)
While the M.S. non-thesis program is to be personalized for each student’s needs (by them and their advisor), the only true requirement is that all M.S. thesis students MUST take a minimum of 18 RPTS credits that must include RPTS 693 (Professional Study).
Though, M.S. non-thesis Coursework should include:
– Minimum of 3 credits statistics
– Minimum of 3 credits of research methods
– Not more than 12 hours may be used in any combination of the following categories: 684, 693, 681 and 685 (not more than 8 hours Directed Studies may be used).
Final degree plan MUST be approved by all members of their committee, and should reflect the rigor expected of a M.S. degree.
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Master of Recreation and Youth Development (MRYD)
The Master of Recreation and Youth Development program is designed for active and progressive youth development professionals. Many youth serving professionals aspire to continue to pursue their careers while earning a graduate professional degree. MRYD students form cohorts of fellow professionals who study advanced topics in developmental processes, behavioral science, and management of youth-serving organizations. Students discover science-based techniques for structuring experiences that build character and help youth thrive and flourish while also advancing their skills as managers of youth organizations.
https://rpts.tamu.edu/mryd/. Students are accepted for fall, spring, and summer semesters.
RPTS Research Areas
Address changes occurring in metropolitan centers, fringe areas and rural communities through applied research and extension programs. Through coursework, extension and research, you can focus on community and economic development, sociology of rural minorities, sociology of nutrition and health, natural resources and environmental quality, and sociology of agriculture.
Research Publications
Explore the issues surrounding planned events as well as their management, design and production. This program will prepare students to gain practical and theoretical understandings of events and the experiences created by fairs, sports, expositions, and festivals. Students often work closely with professionals and practitioners in public service and not-for-profit sectors.
Management of recreation, park and leisure service agencies that requires expertise in problem-solving, computer-based decision making, assessment of social and environmental impacts, personnel, public relations, volunteer management, financing and fund-raising, marketing of services, and needs assessments. Skills in working with people in the legal and political environment are necessary, as well as the ability to assess and work with other organizations for cooperative developments in recreation and tourism. Students in this emphasis prepare for managerial careers with public recreation and park agencies, youth agencies, not-for-profit recreation agencies, and commercial recreation enterprises.
Park and recreation amenities are crucial elements in healthy communities. Your coursework and research, conducted in cooperation with faculty, can focus on marketing and financing parks, positioning, visitor behaviors, constraints to participation, park planning and risk management.
Study the myriad issues associated with one of the world’s largest industries. Research that the faculty conduct within this emphasis combines a balance between tourism development and sustainability from the following perspectives: marketing, management, anthropology, geography, technology, communications, conservation, planning, psychology, heritage, sustainability and ecotourism.
Delve into interdisciplinary research and learning opportunities related to youth development and programs that help young people to become fully functioning adults. Research conducted in this area includes evaluation of youth recreation programs, adolescent development and health, and issues related to race and ethnicity. The Elda K. Bradberry Recreation and Youth Development Chair is housed within the department.