About Our Degree Program
We offer an online Master of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism. This program is ideal for both current professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills and those new to the field seeking foundational competencies.
You’ll develop a professional global network and learn to solve complex problems relevant to your work. The program is 100% online, asynchronous and comprises 36 credit hours (9 courses). It offers a flexible schedule and is taught by world-renowned faculty.
Unlock your FULL potential with the online Master of Science in RST and:
- Master an advanced understanding of managing recreation, sport and tourism organizations
- Analyze key industry trends as well as their causes and consequences (e.g., social, political, economic, environmental)
- Gain in-depth understanding and application of foundational concepts and theories in recreation, sport and tourism industries
- Develop competence in marketing planning, strategy, implementation and evaluation
- Master budgeting and finance
- Engage in critical strategic planning and management functions utilized by successful organizations
- Formulate effective evaluation and needs assessments.
Student Testimonials
Alumna Eva Schmidt talks about how the online master’s degree in RST has helped elevate her career in professional sports while allowing flexibility to pursue further education.
Alumni Sean Baptist and Charlie Hoffmann discuss how the online M.S. in RST program impacted their careers and even led to the co-authoring of a children’s book.
Curriculum
Students need a total of 9 courses equaling 36 credit hours.
Required and Elective Courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| RST 501: Foundations and Current Issues in Recreation, Sport and Tourism | 4 |
| RST 504: Applied Evaluation and Needs Assessment in RST | 4 |
| RST 512: Managing Recreation, Sport and Tourism Organizations | 4 |
| RST 515: Marketing in RST | 4 |
| RST 516: Financial Management and Budgeting in Recreation, Sport and Tourism | 4 |
| RST 519: Strategic Management in RST | 4 |
| Total Hours | 24 |
Required Emphasis Area Coursework
| Select one of the following courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| RST 502: Critical Issues Recreation Management | 4 |
| RST 520: Critical Issues Sport Management | 4 |
| RST 530: Critical Issues Tourism Management | 4 |
| Total Hours | 4 |
Graduate Electives
| Select two of the following courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| RST 518: Event Management | 4 |
| RST 580: Legal Aspects in RST | 4 |
| RST 585: Inclusive by Design in RST | 4 |
| RST 588: Park Planning and Design | 4 |
| Total Hours | 8 |
Application Deadlines
- Deadline for Fall 2026: August 12, 2026
- Deadline for Spring 2027: December 11, 2026
- Deadline for Summer 2027: May 14, 2027
Tuition and Fees
The online RST Master of Science has a flat tuition rate of $798 per credit hour for the 2026-2027 academic year, including fees. This means no extra cost for out-of-state or international students. Veteran benefits are applicable.
