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Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, M.S.

The Master of Science in PRTM (thesis) degree is designed for people planning to undertake doctoral study, work in research related positions in their chosen profession, or pursue administration positions in park, recreation and/or tourism agencies and settings.
Click here for more detailed information about Graduate Recruitment Day 2024.
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Overview
The goal of this degree is to produce a skilled professional capable of research with minimal supervision.
This degree is designed for people planning to undertake doctoral study, work in research related positions in their chosen profession, or pursue administration positions in park, recreation and/or tourism agencies and settings. Due to the nature of the curriculum this is a traditional, on-campus degree.
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Application Deadline
Applications wanting to be considered for fall admission should submit all required materials by February 1. Application materials for spring admission are due by October 1.
Students are strongly encouraged to begin the degree in Fall, as our course work sequences in a specific manner. A spring start may put you off-sequence and behind.
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Before You Apply
Prospective graduate students are strongly encouraged to email and begin corresponding with one or more PRTM faculty in their area of interest in advance of visiting campus, attending the virtual information session, or applying.
Click here for the PRTM Faculty Directory.
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After You Apply
All graduate applications are reviewed at the same time by graduate program faculty and administrators. Typically, applications are reviewed and an admission decision is made within 6-8 weeks of the application deadline. Application deadlines for Fall semester (i.e., August) and Spring semester (i.e., January) are February 1 and October 1, respectively.
Questions about applications may be directed to grdprtm@clemson.edu.
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Admission Requirements
Enrollment requires that the student hold a bachelor’s degree for admission into the master’s (online, non-thesis) program.
Prospective students must complete an application form and submit:
- Undergraduate transcripts demonstrating a successful bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and including:
- GPA, last two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum of 3.0 out of 4.0
- TOEFL / IELTS - For international students’ language ability, a TOEFL score or IELTS test is required. Minimum scores are as follows:
- pbT TOEFL - greater than 610
- IBT TOEFL - greater than 102
- CBT TOEFL - greater than 253
- IELTS - greater than 6.5
- Two letters of reference that specifically address your ability to be successful in a graduate program in parks, recreation and tourism
- A résumé
- A personal statement indicating your interests, background, intent for pursuing a master’s degree and how it will advance your career
- Recreational Therapy students must have proof of current CTRS certification or be eligible to sit for the national exam
Visit Clemson University Graduate School Admissions to learn more about admission requirements, how to apply and important dates.
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Program Requirements
Click here for the Course Registration Form.
Minimum Course Requirements (17 hours):
- PRTM 8010 Philosophical Foundations (3 credits)
- PRTM 8080 Behavioral Aspects of PRTM (3 credits)
- PRTM 8110 Research Methods in PRTM (3 credits)
- PRTM 8910 Master’s Research (6 credits)
- PRTM 9100 Research Seminar (2 credits)
Other Courses (19 hours)
- 3-4 credits of statistics
- 3 credits of research methods in addition to PRTM 8110
- 12-13 hours of additional classes to be selected by student with advisor's approval
- At least one half of the total graduate credit hours, exclusive of thesis research, will be from courses numbered 8000 or above.
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Transfer Credits
A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred and must be approved by your advisor.
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Committee
The student's committee must consist of at least three 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 may not serve as chair. Persons not employed by Clemson University may serve if they have been appointed to an adjunct faculty status.
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Final Examination
A successful oral defense of the thesis is required.
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Time Limit
All course work to be credited toward the master’s degree must have been enrolled in and completed within six calendar years prior to the date on which the degree is to be awarded.
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Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator. (Be sure to choose the ‘online’ tab at the top of the page.)
Financial Aid
For information regarding Financial Aid, please contact the office of Student Financial Aid.
Assistantships
All on-campus program applicants are considered for a limited number of competitive departmentally funded assistantships. No separate applications are needed to be considered for an assistantship.
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Find Out More
Please contact the coordinator of graduate studies at GRDprtm@clemson.edu or call (864) 656-3400 for more information.
We also encourage you to complete and submit the Departmental Supplemental Information Form, so we can learn more about your interests and answer any questions you may have about admission, plans of studies, and financial assistance.
A formal Graduate School application must also be submitted. Please click this link for information.
Master's student keeps camp magic alive for children of front line COVID-19 workers
In Summer 2020, Clemson PRTM master's student Katie Thurson worked as part of the Powdersville YMCA team providing the Emergency Relief Childcare program for a limited number of children of front line workers during COVID-19. Thurson helped manage a daily team of between five and seven staff members and up to 36 children using increased health and safety protocols.
Read the Story