Recreation & Leisure Studies

Master’s Degree Program

Graduate opportunities

Our Recreation and Leisure Studies program at the University of North Texas can lead you to challenging and rewarding leadership positions in a variety of recreation, sport and leisure settings including:

• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Sports organizations

We offer course work leading to a Master of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies. The program utilizes classroom and laboratory space in the Physical Education Building and Ken Bahnsen Gymnasium, in addition to private facilities throughout the area. Within these various settings, you can exercise your leadership skills in:

• Adult sports
• Aquatics
• Facilities operations
• Fitness
• Health/wellness
• Outdoor adventure/education
• Recreation programming
• Special events
• Youth sports

You can pursue a focus in event and program planning, design and evaluation; facility operations management; and fiscal administration. Our curriculum also examines the theoretical approaches to the study of recreation, sport and leisure, and research methods for conducting scientific studies.

Many of our faculty members are recognized scholars and active researchers. Their research areas include:

• Assessment of recreation and sport facilities
• Economic analysis of sport and recreation events
• Physical activity and park usage investigations

The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036-1023; telephone 202-466-7496). This distinction means we meet or exceed strict academic standards for excellence in education. The college is also one of the top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors, health professionals and other school professionals in Texas.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You will need to meet the general requirements of the Toulouse Graduate School, which are outlined at www.gradschool.unt.edu, and the following program requirements:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 undergraduate semester hours or a 2.8 on all undergraduate course work
• Completed GRE, GMAT or MAT
• Résumé
• Two letters of reference
• 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 option

• 18 semester hours of core courses
• 9 semester hours of specialty courses
• 6 semester hours of thesis credit
• 3 semester hours of elective course work

Nonthesis option

• 18 semester hours of core courses
• 9 semester hours of specialty courses
• 6 semester hours of culminating experience
• 3 semester hours of elective course work

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

Financial assistance

Recreational sports graduate assistantships and employment

The recreational sports office employs graduate assistants, supervisors, game officials, court monitors, lifeguards, aerobics instructors and student secretaries. You should apply if you have experience although training will be provided if you lack experience. The pay scale varies according to experience and length of service with the office. Contact the recreational sports office at 940-565- 2275 if you are interested in these positions.

Teaching fellowships

Teaching fellows lecture in undergraduate program areas. Instructional opportunities exist in a variety of health-related fitness, physical activity, health promotion and recreation classes. Teaching fellows 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 program and enroll in a minimum of 6 hours of course work in each of the fall and spring semesters.

Scholarships

The department, college and university award many graduate scholarships each year. These scholarships typically apply to tuition and fees for two semesters. The amounts of the awards depend on the scholarship. More information is available at www.coe.unt.edu or financialaid.unt.edu.