On-Campus Master of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism | Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism | College of Applied Health Sciences

About Our Degree Program

Become a future leader in recreation, sport, and tourism with our on-campus master’s program. You’ll gain valuable insights from world-class academics, collaborate on real-world projects, and build connections with alumni.

The program is flexible, letting you choose a thesis or non-thesis path and tailor your studies with elective courses that align with your interests. Most students finish in three or four semesters (1.5 to 2 years).

Emphasis Areas

Park and Recreation Management
Sport Management
Tourism Management

Non-Thesis Curriculum

For more information, please consult with the Director of Graduate Studies.

Required Courses

Course	Hours
RST 501: Foundations and Current Issues in Recreation, Sport & Tourism	4
RST 504: Applied Evaluation and Needs Assessment in RST	4
RST 512: Managing Recreation, Sport & Tourism Organizations	4
RST 515: Marketing in RST	4
RST 516: Financial Management and Budgeting in Recreation, Sport & Tourism	4
RST 519: Strategic Management in RST	4
Total Hours	24

Required Area Coursework

Select one of the following courses	Hours
RST 502: Critical Issues in Recreation Management	4
RST 520: Critical Issues in Sport Management	4
RST 530: Critical Issues in Tourism Management	4
Total Hours	4

Electives

500- or 400-level grad credit courses outside of RST chosen in consultation with an advisor for a total of 8 credit hours.

Degree Requirements Summary

Courses	Hours
Required Courses	24
Required Area Coursework	4
Electives	8
Total Hours	36

Thesis Curriculum

For more information, please consult with an advisor or view the university catalog.

Required Courses

Course	Hours
RST 501: Foundations and Current Issues in Recreation, Sport and Tourism	4
Select two courses from this list:
RST 512: Managing Recreation, Sport and Tourism Organizations	4
RST 515: Marketing in RST	4
RST 516: Financial Management and Budgeting in Recreation, Sport & Tourism	4
Total Hours	12

Emphasis Area

Select one of the following courses	Hours
RST 502: Critical Issues in Recreation Management	4
RST 520: Critical Issues in Sport Management	4
RST 530: Critical Issues in Tourism Management	4
Total Hours	4

Additional Coursework

Course	Hours
Electives to Support Concentration Area	8
Research Methods	8
RST 599: Thesis Research	4
Total Hours	20

Degree Requirements Summary

Courses	Hours
Required Coursework	12
Emphasis Area	4
Additional Coursework	20
Total Hours	36

Other Requirements

A minimum of 28 500-level hours within the department
Minimum 3.0 GPA

On-campus M.S. complete admissions requirements

RST Graduate Handbook

The Graduate Student Handbook is designed to be a primary source of information about the program of study and the administrative policies governing your participation in the program.

Access the Graduate Handbook

Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Mariela Fernandez
mfrnndz2@illinois.edu
(217) 333-4410