Master of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Campus: Urbana-Champaign

Number of Required Campus Visits: 0

Program Type: Master's Degree

Award Conferred: Master of Science

Total Number of Credit Hours: 36 Sem. Hr(s).

Description:

The demand for professionals with an advanced degree in the leisure service industry continues to increase. Job opportunities in parks and recreation, sports management, hotel management, convention and tourist bureaus, health and fitness clubs, and volunteer and youth agencies, just to name a few, are on the rise. Employees with graduate degrees will have the best opportunities for supervisory or administrative positions.

The Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers an online Master of Science degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism. This degree provides you a quality and highly accessible education, ensuring that you are prepared to meet the changing requirements of the leisure services industry.

The Recreation, Sport and Tourism program focuses on quality online pedagogy that engages the student in discussion with classmates and instructors, challenges them with meaningful assignments and research, and provides useful training for an advanced career.

The M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism delivers courses using online instruction that emphasizes group collaboration, concluding with a final course dedicated to the writing of a professional paper.

Upon successful completion of all coursework, you will earn a Master of Science degree from the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Admission Requirement(s):

Consideration for admission to the online program is based on a comprehensive review of the applicant's admission packet, including past academic performance and professional experience. Requirements include the following:

Bachelors degree from an accredited institution

A major in parks, recreation, sport, tourism or a related field will be given preference

GPA, last two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum of 3.0* out of 4.0

For international applicants, minimum TOEFL score* for the paper-based TOEFL is 600, IBT TOEFL >103; CBT TOEFL >253; or IELTS test score >7.5

Three letters of reference that specifically address the applicant's ability to be successful in an online graduate program in recreation, sport and tourism

A current resume reflecting academic and professional experience**

Personal Statement: Such statement is reviewed closely to identify one's interests and professional experience** related to parks, recreation, sport or tourism. Listed below are specific questions for applicants to address, but not limit themselves to, within their personal statement. These questions could be addressed in one whole essay, or as itemized responses to the questions:

1. What are your goals for graduate study and a professional career? If appropriate, describe your professional experience as it relates to parks, recreation, sport, or tourism.

2. Why do you feel the University of Illinois is appropriate for you? Why do you think the online program offered by the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism is a good match for your interests?

3. Why are you pursuing an online graduate degree? In what ways would your degree contribute to your future and/or career?

* Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis. In reviewing the applicant's entire packet, there may be convincing reasons to admit the applicant (e.g., professional experience) even though the required GPA or TOEFL (for international applicants) is below the minimum.

** Professional experience in the field, although not necessary, would improve an applicant's admission packet. Such experience should be highlighted in the applicant's resume and the applicant's "personal statement."

Program Cost(s):

Residency Status Tuition and Application Fee

Illinois Residents
$18,108 for the entire degree
($503 per credit hour for 36 credit hours)
A one-time, non-refundable application fee of $40.
Tuition and fees do not include books and course materials.

Non-Illinois Residents and International Students
$18,108 for the entire degree
($503 per credit hour for 36 credit hours)
U.S. students residing outside Illinois will pay a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $50.
International students will pay a one- time, non-refundable application fee of $75.
Tuition and fees do not include books and course materials.

Program Contact(s):

The University of Illinois
510 Devonshire
Suite H
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (866) 896-3939
E-mail: gcadvisor@uillinois.edu