Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, M.S. (Online)

A leader in online parks, recreation and tourism education.

• Overview

  Students learn from a mix of leading university faculty and world-class practitioners and take 10 classes over two years, meeting online in the evening once a week with faculty and fellow graduate students – making sure you can continue to work full-time while earning your master’s degree.

  The online format ensures your classroom travels with you. All you need is a laptop and internet connection.

• Application Deadline

  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, giving you the flexibility to start your program in either the spring or fall semester.

• 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 and submit:

  • Undergraduate transcripts demonstrating a successful bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and including:
  • GPA, of undergraduate studies with a minimum of 3.0* out of 4.0
  • If English is your second language, you must also submit acceptable TOEFL scores.
  • 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

  A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the online, non-thesis program.

  Visit Clemson University Graduate School Admissions to learn more about admission requirements, how to apply and important dates.

• Program Requirements

  The M.S. non-thesis in PRTM consists of 30 credit hours of online coursework. Course work is offered through a combination of weekly evening synchronous meetings through Zoom and asynchronous delivery methods using Canvas.

  Core Course Requirements (24 credits)

  PRTM 8300 Applied Philosophical Foundations of PRTM
  PRTM 8030 Management and Trends in PRTM
  PRTM 8210 Innovative and Creative Funding Strategies in PRTM
  PRTM 8260 Data Use for PRTM Professionals 
  PRTM 8310 Applied Behavioral Aspects of PRTM 
  PRTM 8230 Operating in Political Environments in the Public and Non-Profit Sectors
  PRTM 8250 Understanding Populations in PRTM 
  PRTM 8880 Capstone: Applying Learning Outcomes to Current PRTM Issues and Organizations

  Electives (6 credits)

  Graduate Electives to be offered as cohort sizes allow and upon discussion with MS online advisor

  Any Graduate Level PRTM class offered on campus OR Any of the Graduate Level PRTM online class listed below:

  PRTM 8070 Human Dimensions of Outdoor Recreation and Public Land Visitation
  PRTM 8220 Strategic Planning in PRTM Organizations 
  PRTM 8320 Introduction to Adaptive Sports and Recreation 
  PRTM 8330 Adaptive Sport Program and Event Planning 
  PRTM 8340 Contemporary Issues in Sports
  PRTM 8350 Organization and Administration of Sport 
  PRTM 8360 Executive Leadership & Governance in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
  PRTM 8440 Outdoor Recreation Resource Management and Planning
  PRTM 8460 Event Management: Special Events
  PRTM 8620 Sports Development Through the Lifespan

  ALL non-thesis MS classes are 8-week classes, except for PRTM 8880 Capstone, which is the full semester.

  Up to two core courses, except PRTM 8300 and PRTM 8880, may be substituted for additional elective courses with the permission of the non-thesis program coordinator.

  TOTAL: 30 credits 

• Financial Information

  Tuition and Fees

  The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management M.S. (online, non-thesis) program is a Tier 3 program. Explore information on tuition and fees here: Clemson University Tuition and Fee Details. 

  Financial Aid
  For information regarding Financial Aid, please contact the office of Student Financial Aid.

  Employee Tuition Assistance Program

  Clemson University's Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP) permits employees who are accepted to Clemson online programs (employees must go through the same rigor and process as any other student), the ability to utilize the full ETAP benefit.

  This allows these accepted employees/students to be afforded the same benefits as employees/students who were pursuing non-online degrees. The benefit allows eligible employees the ability to have up to 6 credit hours waived per semester. Visit the ETAP program page for details.

• Find Out More

  For more information, please contact the online programs coordinator, Erica King at prtmonline@clemson.edu or call (864) 656-3422.