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 focusing on 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, Ken Bahnsen Gymnasium and Coliseum in addition to private facilities in the area. Within these settings, you can exercise your management and leadership skills in:

• adult sports
• aquatics
• facilities operation
• fitness
• health/wellness
• outdoor adventure/education
• recreation programming
• special events
• youth sports

Gain new perspectives

Our curriculum examines the theoretical approaches to the study of recreation, sport and leisure, and research methods for conducting scientific studies. Many faculty members are recognized scholars and active researchers. They have been honored by the National Recreation and Park Association; American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; 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). The council recognizes the program for its excellence in education, outstanding reputation in the field, strong alumni support and high quality academic and career advising services.

The College of Education is also one of the top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors and other school professionals in Texas.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You will need to meet the Toulouse Graduate School’s admission requirements, which are outlined at 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 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 semester hours of core courses
• 12 semester hours of specialty courses
• 6 semester hours of culminating experiences
• 3 semester hours in a minor area

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 or major in recreation, 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 for more information.

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 one of our department’s graduate programs and enroll in a minimum of 6 semester 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 about scholarships is available at the College of Education website or the Financial Aid site.