Recreation, Event and Sport Management

Master's Degree Program

Graduate opportunities

The Recreation, Event and Sport Management program at the University of North Texas can lead you to challenging and rewarding leadership positions in a variety of recreation, sport, event and leisure settings including:

• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Sports organizations
• Private sector

We offer course work leading to a Master of Science degree in Recreation, Event and Sport Management. While pursuing your degree, you examine the theoretical approaches to the study of recreation, sport and leisure, and research methods for conducting scientific studies.

You're also exposed to event and program planning, design and evaluation, facility operations management, fiscal administration, and analysis of the economic impact of programs and events.

The program utilizes classroom and laboratory space in the Physical Education Building, the Ken Bahnsen Gymnasium and the Coliseum in addition to private facilities in the area. In these settings, you exercise your management and leadership skills in:

• Aquatics
• Facilities operation
• Health/wellness
• Outdoor adventure/education
• Special events
• Youth sports

Outstanding faculty and student support

Many faculty members are recognized scholars and active researchers. They've been honored by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration; the Society of Health and Physical Educators; and the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, among others. Their research areas include:

• Assessment of recreation and sport facilities
• Economic analysis of sport and recreation events
• Physical activity and park usage
• Trail related research
• Leisure and aging

The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (22377 Belmont Ridge Road; Ashburn, Va. 20148-4501; telephone 800-626-6772). It commended the program for its excellence in education, outstanding reputation in the field, strong alumni support and high quality academic and career advising services.

UNT provides a wide variety of services exclusively to graduate students. The Graduate Student Writing Support office can help you with writing, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research offers assistance with statistical research.

The Toulouse Graduate School offers several professional development workshops, including a Thesis Boot Camp. Many of the workshops are available online for your convenience.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You'll need to meet the general admission requirements for the graduate school, and the following program requirements:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 undergraduate credit hours or a 2.8 on all undergraduate course work
• Completed GRE, GMAT or MAT by the end of your first semester
• Résumé
• Two reference letters
• One-page candidate statement that includes your career goals, interest area and why you want to pursue a master's degree

Degree requirements

Master of Science degree

Thesis or non-thesis options

• 15 credit hours of core courses
• 12 credit hours of specialty courses
• 6 credit hours of culminating experiences
• 3 credit hours in a minor area

If you don't have professional recreation experience or course work in recreation, you may be required to complete up to 9 credit hours of co-requisite courses and a practicum course.

Financial assistance

Teaching fellowships

Teaching fellows lecture in a variety of healthrelated fitness, physical activity, health promotion and recreation classes. They earn a stipend of approximately $12,500 to $15,000 for nine months. Summer opportunities are often available. Teaching fellows must be formally admitted to the graduate program and enroll in at least 6 credit hours each fall and spring semester.

Scholarships

The department, college and university award many graduate scholarships each year. These scholarships typically apply to tuition and fees for two semesters. The award amounts depend on the scholarship. More information is available at our website or the financial aid site.

Recreational sports graduate assistantships and employment

The recreational sports office employs graduate assistants, supervisors, game officials, court monitors, lifeguards, aerobics instructors and student secretaries. The pay scale varies according to experience and length of service with the office. Contact the recreational sports office at 940-565-2275 for more information.