Recreation M.S.
The Recreation Masters degree currently allows student to select an emphasis area in Sport Management, Parks and Recreation Administration, or Therapeutic Recreation.
The curriculum is composed of courses that foster the development of advanced skill sets among recreation, therapeutic recreation, and sport professionals, as well as the use of data analytics, research, and evaluation in professional planning and decision-making. Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:
1. An understanding of theoretical and philosophical foundations of the profession.
2. The ability to conceptualize, conduct and apply research to areas of recreation specialization.
3. Demonstrate the ability to maintain appropriate continuing education activities and remain current with best practices.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the critical importance of being an advocate for the profession and those served.
Key Quality Indicators have been developed for the program.
- Competence in the discipline
- Communicate the personal and societal value of recreation and sport
Course Requirements
Core Courses (18 Credit Hours)
| REC 45645 | Assessment and Evaluation in Sport and Recreation | 3 |
| REC 45648 | Human Resources and Ethics in Sport and Recreation | 3 |
| HPER 22636 | Research Methods in Health, Physical Education and Recreation | 3 |
| HPER 22665 | Data Analytics | 3 |
| REC 45698 | Risk Management in Sport and Recreation | 3 |
| REC 45547 | Grant Writing | 3 |
Sport Management Emphasis (12 Credit Hours)
Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis (12 Credit Hours)
| REC 45542 | Trends and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation | 3 |
| REC 45543 | Administration of Therapeutic Recreation Services | 3 |
| REC 45632 | Strength-Based Therapeutic Recreation Practice and Interventions | 3 |
| REC 45554 | Psychological Aspects of Therapeutic Recreation | 3 |
Parks and Recreation Administration Emphasis (12 Credit Hours)
Total Credit Hours: 30
Program Completion Requirements:
- Completion of an approved Plan of Study with no more than 6 credit hours with a grade of C or lower.
- 3.0 overall GPA upon completion of program.
- Completion of research project and submittal of research component form.
The Accelerated BS to MS program:
This program allows outstanding students to concurrently pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and a Master of Science in Recreation to complete graduation requirements for both degrees within five years at Northwest Missouri State University. The M.S. program in Recreation at Northwest requires 30 credit hours of graduate courses. The accelerated B.S./M.S. program allows undergraduate students to complete a maximum of 15 credit hours of graduate coursework in their junior and senior years. These courses count toward both their B.S. and M.S. degrees. The remaining 15 hours of graduate coursework are then completed after completion of the Bachelors degree.
Admission Requirements for Accelerated BS to MS program:
The undergraduate Recreation program coordinator will review the application to assess each applicant’s eligibility.
1. A student must apply for admission to the program no sooner than the end of their sophomore year (graded courses up to a total of 60 hours) and no later than the beginning of their first trimester of the senior year (graded courses up to a total of 60 hours) of the undergraduate program.
2. Students must submit their transcripts and a letter of recommendation from their undergraduate Recreation program coordinator to the Graduate School.
3. The student must also satisfy one of the following GPA criteria (as calculated on a 4.0 scale)
A. Overall GPA >= 2.75
B. Major GPA >= 3.00
4. Applicants must satisfy these criteria at the beginning of the fifth year:
A. Compliance with all the eligibility requirements of the Graduate School as outlined in the Graduate Catalog.
B. Compliance with all admission requirements for acceptance into the graduate program in Recreation.
C. Must have achieved a "C" or better in all of the Recreation Accredited Core courses as outlined by the undergraduate catalog.
Advising for courses in the Junior and Senior years:
1. A student can enroll in graduate courses only after their sophomore year (60 graded hours)
2. The student's undergraduate academic advisor, program coordinator and graduate coordinator will assist the student in developing a plan for enrolling in classes to complete both degrees within a five-year timeframe
Advising for courses in the Parks and Recreation and Corporate Recreation/Wellness emphasis areas
1. Students are expected to enroll in these courses their junior and senior year for graduate credit. (15 hours)
A. 45645 Assessment and Evaluation of Recreation and Leisure Services
B. 45547 Grant Writing
C. 45525 Commercial Recreation
D. 45665 Recreation & Sport for Active Adults
E. 45620 Advanced Programming in Recreation
2. Students are expected to enroll in these courses within the fifth year as a graduate student. (15 hours)
A. 22636 Research Methods
B. 22665 Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
C. 45660 Recreation Facility Design and Management
D. 45648 Human Resources and Ethics
E. 45545 Risk Management
Advising for courses in the Therapeutic Recreation emphasis area:
1. Students are expected to enroll in these courses their junior and senior year for graduate credit. (15 hours)
A. 45554 Psychological Aspects of TR
B. 45547 Grant Writing
C. 45542 Trends and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation
D. 45546 Administration of Recreation
E. 45645 Assessment and Evaluation of Recreation and Leisure Services
2. Students are expected to enroll in these courses within the fifth year as a graduate student. (15 hours)
A. 22636 Research Methods
B. 22665 Data Analytics
C. 45632 Strength Based Therapeutic Recreation Practice & Interventions
D. 45648 Human Resources and Ethics
E. 45545 Risk Management