密苏里大学

Since virtually everyone participates in some form of leisure, the primary benefit of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) is to address quality of life issues. The unique interaction of people, places, and activities establish our profession as one of the world’s largest industries.

Students learn how to manage leisure service delivery systems by combining theory with practice. This degree is designed to prepare students for advanced positions in the parks, recreation, tourism and sport profession or admission into doctoral programs.

Thesis Option

The thesis option is most appropriate for M.S. candidates who aspire to pursue doctoral education in the future, desire distinct research training and experience, and/or desire research or technical writing experience. Students who complete a thesis are encouraged to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Thesis Research Boundaries: The thesis endeavor engages content of a solid academic/theoretical need that adds to or extends the knowledge base. It typically requires the student to display original scholarship or application of an existing theory to solve a specific problem. The rigor of the thesis challenges the student to address and engage the scientific process, which includes an evaluative component of peer and academic review.

Non-Thesis (Project) Option

A non-thesis option is also available that requires additional coursework and a research project. The non-thesis option is most appropriate for M.S. candidates who view the Master’s Degree as the terminal degree, aspire for practitioner work within the profession, and/or desire additional course work to balance their program of study.

Non-Thesis Boundaries: The non-thesis option engages content of an academic/professional practice need that addresses issues or problems. It requires the student to display independent scholarship in the definition, review and analysis of a problem or issue under study. The rigor of the project challenges the student to engage content to professional standards, which include the evaluative component of peer and professional review.