Recreation Management (M.S.R.L.S.)

M.S.R.L.S. Recreation Management

Students prepare for administrative careers utilizing strategic management skills to coordinate recreation and leisure services in a variety of settings.
people looking over a book at a front desk office

Program Overview

Faculty members in the graduate program 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

Master of science in recreation and leisure studies (M.S.R.L.S.) students may choose either thesis or non-thesis degree routes. The non-thesis option, intended for students who are interested in extending their professional expertise, requires 36 hours of course work in recreation management theory and practice. Students will engage in an independent study or research project to enhance their career specialization. The 30-hour thesis option is best suited to students who have an undergraduate degree in recreation and/or professional work experience. This option includes recreation management course work and thesis credit. Electives in both options are determined in concert with faculty to enhance the students’ specific goals within the profession.

Degree Hours Thesis Option Minor Option
Degree
M.S.R.L.S.
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Degree
M.S.R.L.S.
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
No minor

What Our Alumni Say

“This program helped me to get back in the game of learning and understanding the trends and issues in the field. My association with this program has opened up so many doors for me, and I am extremely grateful.”

— Deidre Flores, M.S.R.L.S. ’14

Program Details

Graduate students in leisure services include students coming straight from their undergraduate internship to seasoned working professionals seeking career advancement. This variety enhances the peer and shared learning environment.

Program Mission

The recreation 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 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 such as youth-serving agencies, churches, campus or military recreation, and governmental park and recreation services. 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, serving diverse constituencies, and understanding leisure spaces. Publishing 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 The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Jan Hodges
jh223@txstate.edu
512.245.7482
Jowers Center (JOW), Room A173

outside of jowers center

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

Deadlines U.S. Citizen International
Deadlines
Fall - Priority
U.S. Citizen
February 1
International
February 1
Deadlines
Fall - Standard
U.S. Citizen
June 15 (*Flexible)
International
June 1
Deadlines
Spring
U.S. Citizen
October 15 (*Flexible)
International
October 1
Deadlines
Summer I
U.S. Citizen
April 15 (*Flexible)
International
March 15
Deadlines
Summer II
U.S. Citizen
June 1 (*Flexible)
International
No Admission

*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.

 Funding Information
Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding.

Decision Timeline
This program reviews applications on a rolling basis.

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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  •   Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee
      OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

      Review important information about application fees.

    • 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
    • minimum 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.

  • 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.

    • 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.

Additional Information

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