Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies (M.S.)
The Master of Science in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies focuses on the professionalization of the park, recreation and tourism practitioner. A need exists for highly trained professionals who can be well-rounded, competent executives to tackle the ever-widening scope of responsibility in the park, recreation and tourism field.
Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies (M.S.)
Description
What is Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies at ODU like?
The Master of Science in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies focuses on the professionalization of the park, recreation and tourism practitioner. A need exists for highly trained professionals who can be well-rounded, competent executives to tackle the ever-widening scope of responsibility in the park, recreation and tourism field.
Program Highlights
What makes Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies at ODU unique?
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Designed to prepare students and practitioners for advanced study in the concepts, theories, research, management, and administration of the park, recreation and tourism industry
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Provides a rigorous academic program that will prepare graduates for careers in the management, supervision, and administration of parks, recreation, and tourism resources
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Gives students advance administrative and empirical knowledge related to organizational decision-making and recreation/tourism agency management
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Promotes quality of life through planning, managing and administering recreation and tourism activities that are evidence-based
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Courses offered on-line and face to face
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies
Degree Level:
Graduate
Delivery Mode(s):
On-Campus
Degree Earned:
Master of Science
Department:
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
- Convention and visitors’ bureau director
- Public park and recreation agency senior manager/director
Courses
What are some courses offered in Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies at ODU?
PRTS 650:
Contemporary Issues in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies
This course is designed to increase the student's ability to critically analyze and discuss the contemporary issues and trends in parks, recreation and tourism. This course will require students to describe, evaluate, and critique the current research in the field; evaluate the future trajectory of park, recreation and tourism studies; and assess both personal and professional philosophies to elucidate his/her role as an advanced-level practitioner in parks, recreation or tourism industry.
PRTS 720:
Advanced Leisure Theories and their Applications
The course examines the concepts, theories and philosophies related to outdoor recreation, travel and tourism, and community recreation. Discussion will focus on the application of social science theories to the study of leisure, parks, recreation and tourism.
PRTS 770:
Grant Writing for Parks and Recreation
Grant writing is an essential skill for the park and recreation professional. This course examines the grant writing process. This includes, but is not limited to, The Office of Research, the ODU Research Foundation, budgeting, human subjects, and partnerships. Students will be expected to submit a grant application by the end of the course.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Science program in Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)
Admission as a graduate student at ODU does not imply acceptance into the Master of Science in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies. A program admissions committee-with the Graduate Program Coordinator and at least two other faculty members from PRTS-will meet to consider applications and make determinations regarding acceptance to the program.
Students with previously completed graduate coursework at a regionally-accredited institution may submit a request for a maximum of 12 credit hours to be transferred. Such transfer hours would go through the admission committee for approval, and if approved, added to the transcript. Transfer courses may be accepted for research course requirements or electives, but may not be used to meet core course requirements.
The criteria for acceptance include:
A completed online application via www.odu.edu/admission/graduate
A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution
An overall 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher cumulative GPA in the undergraduate degree*
A GPA of 3.0 or higher in the undergraduate major courses
A combined GRE score of 291 or higher (verbal and quantitative sections) or a score of 400 or higher on either the GMAT or MAT*
Three letters of recommendation (from former faculty and/or employers)
An essay describing the applicant's goals including:
- Your professional work experience in the field of park, recreation and tourism.
- Educational career goals (i.e., what will your MS degree enable you to do)
- Area of research interest and why it's important (e.g., gaps in the literature, issues in the field)
- Specific faculty you wish to study under and why
- Why you should be admitted to the PRTS MS program
Copy of current resume
A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 on the paper-based test (or 79-80 on the iBT) for non-native English speakers
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
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