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Master of Science in Recreation & Park Administration

Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

College of Health Sciences

Master of Science in Recreation & Park Administration

Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

30 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$572 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Help Others Lead Happier, Healthier Lives

Turn your passion for community into a rewarding career and enhance the quality of life for all people with EKU’s Master of Science in Recreation and Park Administration. Gain valuable skill sets in recreation, parks, and tourism services management, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in this evolving industry worth more than 500 billion dollars in the U.S. alone. The program offers a comprehensive course of study positioning graduates to help others through advancing environmental conservation efforts, social equity, and health and wellness.

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Career Outlook

Entertainment and recreation managers organize and lead a variety of leisure, wellness, or social activities. The types of programs they plan and guide may differ by setting, participants, and other factors. For example, on a cruise ship, they may organize arts and crafts activities for children and yoga classes for seniors; for a community center, they may conduct nature hikes based on ability levels from beginner to advanced.

Employment of entertainment and recreation managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Entertainment and recreation managers often are tasked with creating a positive experience for participants. They ensure that supplies are in stock and inspect equipment, ordering materials or arranging for maintenance as needed. In addition, they evaluate facility services and programs to create or improve offerings, which may involve soliciting input or analyzing customer feedback.

Entertainment and recreation managers also oversee staff orientation and development. Their responsibilities may include recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates; training and scheduling workers; monitoring and appraising work; and reassigning staff to meet facility or program needs.

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Employers Include:

  • Employer List

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • COAPRT accredited
  • 8th longest accredited program in nation
  • Hands-on learning
  • Service learning focus
  • Only therapeutic recreation program in Kentucky (BS and MS)
  • 3 + 2 Program (Earn a Master of Science degree in only ONE YEAR)

Program Options

Leisure plays an important role in a happy, healthy life. Prepare to work with people who have disabilities or illnesses to improve their health and well-being. Therapeutic recreation specialists, also known as recreational therapists, use a variety of techniques, such as arts and crafts, animals, sports and games, dance and movement, drama, music and community outings to help clients regain mobility and improve their mental health.

Recreation and resource management involves planning, managing, and developing recreation experiences and resources. This can include managing events, facilities, and programs, or developing nature-based recreation experiences.

Earn Your Bachelor’s & Master’s in as few as 5 Years
The 3+2 BS Recreation and Park Administration + Master of Recreation and Park Administration with a concentration in outdoor recreation and natural resources management offers an accelerated pathway to complete your master’s degree!

Benefits:

  • Enroll in up to nine hours of graduate courses that will apply to both your undergraduate and graduate degree
  • Pay undergraduate tuition rates for the graduate coursework
  • Gain advanced knowledge in the desired subject area

Curriculum & Admission

The master of science program provides a generalized study in recreation, parks, and tourism services management. The program prepares students for supervisory and management careers in therapeutic recreation, commercial recreation and tourism, natural resource management, and public and nonprofit recreation. This program is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in biology, business, physical education, sociology, and psychology who are interested in professional careers in recreation, parks, and leisure services.

A minimum of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School. Applicants who do not meet the Graduate School’s GPA requirement for admission must submit official GRE scores to be considered for Probationary Admission. Expected target scores on the GRE for Probationary Admission are 143 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections.

An undergraduate major or minor in recreation, parks, or leisure is preferred. REC 350 Supervision of Recreation Personnel and REC 460 Advanced Leadership and Programming (or course equivalents) are undergraduate prerequisites for students not holding a BS degree in recreation, parks, or leisure services.

Courses open to graduate students require a minimum understanding of foundations in recreation and park administration, knowledge of facility operation, agency budgeting, and legal issues. Students with limited field experience may be required to complete a graduate practicum course.

The EKU Recreation and Park Administration Program is proud to be accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and related Professions (COAPRT) since 1980 (Standard 3.07). COAPRT accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies offered at regionally accredited institutions within the United States and its territories, and at nationally accredited institutions in Canada and Mexico.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor today.

professional photo of shaker ezaizat

Shaker Ezaizat

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2316
shaker.ezaizat@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Lauren Close

EKU Exercise and Sport Science Graduate
Earning my master’s from EKU provided me with the expertise to enter my desired career field. Not only did I gain the skills and experience to stand out to employers, I formed lasting relationships that remain an important part of my professional journey. The EKU faculty were a huge part of my success as a student and their steadfast support has continued into my professional career.

Erin Thompson

EKU Recreation and Park Administration Graduate
I love how much service-learning experiences we have in RPA and that classes are not just lecture. I am building an amazing resume as a result.

Patrick Rood

EKU Recreation and Park Administration Graduate
I love RPA because it is family. If someone is struggling or feeling down, there is always someone to pick you up. You will always find a friendly face and a warm smile when you go into the department. My true and most happy self is all thanks to the department.

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News & Updates

EKU’s Exercise and Sport Science Program Shapes Strong Future Professionals

In one of Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Exercise and Sport Science labs, junior Megan Fuson learns through quality instruction and instructional aids such as anatomical and skeletal models. She also practices strength and flexibility testing methods using adjustable exercise chairs and high-tech equipment. EKU’s Exercise and Sport Science (ESS) program aims to meet a rising […]

Students Take Their Research to Harvard, Representing EKU at the National Level

In January, six Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students traveled to Harvard University and presented their research at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). This marked the second time students from EKU attended the conference, following recommendations from faculty mentors. “Our students being accepted to showcase their research at the NCRC—at Harvard—shows the massive potential of […]

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Hikers in Red River Gorge might not realize that one wrong step could plunge them off a 200-foot cliff hidden by the undergrowth. When accidents like that happen, John May, ’92, and his Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team quickly respond to assist injured hikers, stranded climbers and people trapped by high water who may […]

Related Programs

M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science

Common Job Titles: exercise physiologist, fitness and wellness coordinator, exercise trainers

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 30

B.S. in Recreation & Park Administration

Common Job Titles: director of parks and recreation, park ranger, recreation coordinator

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

Department of Parks, Recreation,
Exercise & Sport Science

Combs Building
Room 208 & 215A
213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

Recreation & Park Administration
859-622-1833

Exercise & Sport Science
859-622-8149

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