Recreation and Sport Management (M.S.R.L.S.)
M.S.R.L.S. Recreation and Sport Management
Program Overview
Faculty promote the richness of diversity and create a truly inclusive learning community. Affiliation with practitioners brings innovative content to the classes, and the strong alumni connection provides continued professional development support and job opportunities.
Course Work
M.S.R.L.S. courses are offered in different content delivery formats, in-person, online, and hybrid, and courses are designed to be interactive and engaging. Most courses are project-based and can be applied to your current or future area of work in the recreation industry. Students typically complete the program in two years without taking summer courses. For students with professional experience or with undergraduate studies in recreation management, a thesis route is available to allow the student to pursue independent research related to their professional area of expertise.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S.R.L.S. | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis (Accelerated Online) | Location Online |
Degree M.S.R.L.S. | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis (Accelerated Online) | Location Online |
For more information on online programs, certifications, and international restrictions, visit our Application Policy Information page.
Program Details
Graduate students in leisure services include a diverse range of ages, experience levels, and backgrounds. Some students recently graduated from their undergraduate programs and others are seasoned veterans in the field of recreation seeking to advance their careers.
Program Mission
The recreation and sport management program at Texas State University focuses on innovative and evidence-based professional preparation to ready students for many different careers within the leisure services profession. Adhering to values of real-world experience, diversity and evidence-based practices, the recreation and sport management program prepares professionals to meet the ever-changing needs of constituents. The goals are to prepare graduates who will lead the advancement of leisure services through innovative programming, professional service and research.
Career Options
The professional recreation manager works in diverse settings serving consumers across the lifespan. Previous graduates of the program have worked in professional roles such as directors of parks and recreation for municipalities, state park superintendents, outdoor program directors, aquatics specialists, among other recreation and sport management positions. Graduates may seek such credentials as a certified park and recreation professional or registry of collegiate recreational sports professionals.
Program Faculty
Faculty members of the M.S.R.L.S. program are involved in research pertaining to professional competencies, management issues, recreation education, outdoor recreation, mindfulness, serving diverse constituencies and understanding leisure spaces. Faculty regularly serve in professional leadership roles for continuing education and professional associations. Faculty diversity is supported by adjunct graduate faculty who also hold prominent professional positions, bringing current professional practice to the curriculum.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
| Term | Part of Term | Deadline | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | First 8 Weeks | August 15 | August 25 |
| Fall | Second 8 Weeks | September 30 | October 14 |
| Spring | First 8 Weeks | January 6 | January 20 |
| Spring | Second 8 Weeks | February 24 | March 10 |
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) addressing the following:
- What experiences have led you to pursue graduate studies in recreation management?
- What qualities, values, characteristics do you possess that will enable you to meet the academic rigors of graduate education?
- What are your career goals relating to obtaining a master’s degree?
Review important information about documents.
- statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) addressing the following: