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

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

Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
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Deadlines
Fall - Priority
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U.S. Citizen
February 1
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International
February 1
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Deadlines
Fall - Standard
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U.S. Citizen
June 15 (*Flexible)
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International
June 1
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Deadlines
Spring
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U.S. Citizen
October 15 (*Flexible)
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International
October 1
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Deadlines
Summer I
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U.S. Citizen
April 15 (*Flexible)
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International
March 15
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Deadlines
Summer II
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U.S. Citizen
June 1 (*Flexible)
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International
No Admission
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*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.
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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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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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.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
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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
- 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.
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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: