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Recreation, Sport & Tourism

Promote environmental stewardship. Lead social and economic development. Study management and marketing.

Master of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Position yourself as a leader in the field by earning a master’s degree in recreation, sport, and tourism in two years or less.

Select the thesis or non-thesis option, then continue to tailor the program to fit your interests as you select courses in management, marketing, critical issues, and a variety of electives. Learn from expert faculty and instructors with years of industry experience, collaborate with fellow students on practical projects and connect with alumni as you prepare for your chosen career.

  • High ranking program and university

  • Nationally and internationally recognized faculty

  • Thesis and non-thesis professional track options available

  • Strong emphasis on field-based learning experiences and professional development

  • Networking opportunities with our large and active RST alumni network

  • Assistantship opportunities with UIUC athletics, Campus Recreation, and other units

  • No background in RST required

  • Federal financial aid available

Emphasis Areas

Park & Recreation Management

Sport Management

Tourism Management

Non-Thesis Curriculum

Required Courses

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

Code Course
RST 501
RST 501 - Concepts & Applications in RST

Hours: 4

RST 504
RST 504 - Applied Evaluation and Needs Assessment in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Hours: 4

RST 512
RST 512 - Managing RST organizations

Hours: 4

RST 515
RST 515 - Marketing in RST

Hours: 4

RST 516
RST 516 - Finance & Budgeting in RST

Hours: 4

RST 594
RST 519 - Strategic Management

Hours: 4

Total Hours: 24

Required Area Coursework

Select one of the following courses

Code Course
RST 502
RST 502 - Critical Issues in Recreation

Hours: 4

RST 520
RST 520 - Critical Issues in Sport

Hours: 4

RST 530
RST 530 - Critical Issues in Tourism

Hours: 4

Total Hours: 4

Degree Requirements Summary

Code Course
Required Courses

Hours: 24

Required Area Coursework

Hours: 4

Electives

Hours: 8

Total Hours: 36

Thesis Curriculum

Required Courses

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

Select two from this list:

Code Course
RST 512
RST 512 - Managing Recreation, Sport and Tourism Organizations

Hours: 4

RST 515
RST 515 - Marketing in RST

Hours: 4

RST 516
RST 516 - Finance and Budgeting in RST

Hours: 4

Total Hours: 8

Emphasis Area

Select one of the following courses

Code Course
RST 502
RST 502 - Critical Issues in Recreation Mangement

Hours: 4

RST 520
RST 520 - Critical Issues in Sport Management

Hours: 4

RST 530
RST 530 - Critical Issues in Tourism Management

Hours: 4

Total Hours: 4

Additional Coursework

Code Course
RST 501
RST 501 - Concepts & Applications in Recreation, Sport & Tourism

Hours: 4

Electives to Support Concentration Area

Hours: 8

Research Methods

Hours: 8

RST 599
RST 599 - Thesis Research

Hours: 4

Total Hours: 24

Degree Requirements Summary

Code Course
Required Coursework

Hours: 8

Concentration Area

Hours: 4

Additional Coursework

Hours: 24

Total Hours: 36

Other Requirements (may overlap)

  • A minimum of 12 500-level hours within the unit
  • A minimum of 16 500-level hours overall
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA

Apply Now

To apply for a graduate degree program in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, please visit our Apply Now page.

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Admission Requirements

Please follow the link below for information regarding graduate student admissions requirements.

Graduate Admissions Requirements

RST Graduate Handbook

Click here to access the RST Graduate Handbook.

RST Graduate Manual

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