Ph.D. in PRTM

Given the current COVID-19 crisis and subsequent challenges related to standardized exams, our graduate programs will provide a GRE waiver process for all applicants for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021. GRE results can be submitted if they are available, however, prospective students are required to submit a 3-5 page double-spaced writing sample focused on a topic of their own choosing. This can also be a published paper, one that is under review or was written for a class.

The Ph.D. program in parks, recreation and tourism management is based on the student's grasp of recreation subject matter, competency to plan and conduct research, and the ability to effectively and professionally use written and oral communication. You can choose to earn your doctoral degree either on campus or online, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your career and life. 

Students taking the online program are prepared to meet the same expectations as students who complete their Ph.D. on campus, while accommodating the needs of students who are unable to pursue a traditional, residential path to degree completion. 

All graduate assistants must have additional work assignments that are outside their primary assistantship cleared with the assistantship supervisor. Please click the link below and fill out the form.

• Application Deadline

  Applications wanting to be considered for fall admission to the on campus program should be submitted with all required materials by February 1.

  Application materials for spring admission are due by October 1. 

• Time Limit

  All requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed within eight (8) years from the date you first matriculate into a doctoral degree program at Clemson. This clock does not stop for leave of absence. In exceptional circumstances, a student may petition the Graduate School for additional time with approval of the advisory committee. A student who exceeds the time limit without an extension can be dismissed from the Graduate School for failure to maintain adequate academic progress.

• Course Requirements

  Graduate study at the Ph.D. level must maintain flexibility. The study program for each candidate is directed by that candidate's advisory committee. It is anticipated that a program of study would approximate the following example.

  Minimum Course Requirements (60 hours)

  Since the program is designed to maintain flexibility, course requirements will vary based on student needs. However, it is anticipated that a program of study will approximate at least the following:

  • PRTM 8010 – Philosophical Foundations (3 credits)
  • PRTM 8080 – Behavioral Aspects of PRTM (3 credits)
  • PRTM 9100 – Research Seminar (2 credits) or PRTM 9300-9320 Residency 1, 2, 3 (3 credits)
  • PRTM 9110 – Professional Issues in PRTM (1 credit, for a total of 3 credits) or PRTM 9330 Higher Education in PRTM
  • PRTM 8110 – Research Methods in PRTM (3 credits)
  • PRTM 8130 – Qualitative Research Methods in PRTM
  • YDP 8080 – Grant Writing
  • Research or Statistical Methods (15 credits)
  • Teaching, Collateral or Industry area [focused study area selected in consultation with student's committee] (12 credits)
  • PRTM 9910 – Doctoral Dissertation Research (18 credits)

  ** All PhD students must present at least twice in PRTM 9100 (dissertation proposal AND results) prior to graduation. Students must obtain Chair’s permission to schedule presentations.

• Committee

  The student's committee must consist of at least four members and the majority of the advisory committee, including the major advisor, must be comprised of Clemson University faculty from the program offering the particular degree and who hold full-time tenure-track positions. Part-time and visiting faculty employed by Clemson may serve on this committee but not serve as chair. Persons not employed by Clemson University may serve if they have been appointed to an adjunct faculty status.

• Comprehensive Examination

  An exam is required and may be oral and/or written, as determined by the student's committee. It should be designed to ascertain the general knowledge of the candidate, with particular reference to the major and collateral subjects, and the student's area of research. The comprehensive examination usually is given during a student's final semester of classes or soon thereafter.

• Final Doctoral Oral Examination

  The student must pass a final dissertation defense at least three weeks prior to the commencement at which the student plans to graduate.

• Residency

  To receive the doctor of philosophy degree, the student must complete at least 15 semester hours of graduate credit including research credit (9910) on the Clemson University campus in a continuous 12-month period.

For more information

Please contact the coordinator of graduate studies at GRDprtm@clemson.edu or call 864) 656-2708 for more information. The fax number is: (864) 656-2226. If you would like to submit the departmental supplemental information form, please fill out the form. A formal Graduate School application must also be submitted. Please click here for information.