Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth
The Master of Recreation and Youth Development, MRYD, 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. Our program is unique and allows for a flexible, engaging degree program. Students will:
- Take all classes fully online or you can mix in-person and online classes
- Participate in a collaborative learning environment with youth development professionals.
- Explore innovative solutions to challenges facing youth development today
- Select elective classes that reflect their interests in youth development practice and management of youth-serving organizations.
- Obtain a degree that signals their leadership and dedication to youth development.
- Focus on designing and managing out-of-school-time programs to significantly advance the lives and potential of youth.
Program Overview
Required courses are designated below. Master of recreation and youth development students may choose elective classes from a variety of departments. The departments include agricultural leadership, educational administration, education technology, education psychology, health, health promotion and community health, public service, sport management, and wildlife and fisheries sciences. Students must complete 17 hours of elective courses.
Required Youth Development Core (15 Credit Hours)
- RPTS 673 Grant Writing and Program Evaluation
- RPTS 615 Analytic Methods in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- RPTS 670 Foundations of Youth Development
- RPTS 671 Youth Development Skills
- RPTS 674 Administration of YD Organizations
Required Field Experience (4 credit hours)
- RPTS 677 Youth Development Capstone Experience
Application Information
We will accept applications in the spring and summer and enrollment for cohorts only occurs each fall term. Applications are due June 1st. The application process for the Master of Recreation and Youth Development is unique. In addition to filling out an application to Texas A&M University, students must submit an application packet, complete with a resume (please use provided template), personal statement, two letters of recommendation and a writing sample. The GRE is optional. You may email your writing sample to chad.nelson@agnet.tamu.edu if you are unable to upload the document to the WebAdMIT application page.
Personal Statement
In 750 words or less, address the following topics:
- Your personal and professional goals for your intended career,
- What (including the people, places, or events) inspired you to pursue a career in public service,
- How obtaining the MRYD from the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Science will help you achieve your goals.
- Include your youth development experience and what value you bring to the program.
Recommendations
Two recommendations with evaluations are required and must be received by the application deadline. We prefer letters be from a higher education academic reference, particularly from a course instructor who can attest to an applicant’s capability to pursue graduate school. However, we can accept professional references as needed, particularly for those who graduated several years prior to applying. Professional references can speak to the applicant’s leadership; character; public service, military, or work experience, but should provide specific anecdotes as to why the applicant is qualified for the MRYD program. Applications with fewer than two recommendations will NOT be reviewed for admission.
GRE (Optional)
The MRYD does NOT require applicants to submit GRE scores, but many still do for reasons stated below. We use the cumulative GPA (out of 4.0) as listed on the transcript issuing the degree (bachelor, master, PhD). Applicants weighing the decision to submit scores should consider their testing ability, time to study, and whether scores will help or hinder their application.
- Optional for those with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better.
- Strongly encouraged for those with a cumulative GPA below 3.2 OR if grades/experience do not reflect current abilities.
- Encouraged for those who feel scores can complement a strong file or offset concerns such as a low GPA or lack of experience in the field.
To be valid, scores must be within five years of the date the GradCAS application is submitted.
Writing Sample
Your sample should reflect your best academic writing. It can consist of an undergraduate honor thesis, senior seminar page or undergraduate research paper. Your writing sample should be no more than 15 pages.