Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management Graduate Program

Offering both master's and doctorate degree options, Penn State’s dynamic and multidisciplinary graduate Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program brings together world-class faculty and an integrated approach to learning that is equal parts research, theory, and practice.

Thanks to a cutting-edge curriculum — and unique research and hands-on learning opportunities offered through exclusive relationships with industry partners and professional organizations — you’ll exit the program with a deep understanding of how the social, environmental, psychological, and economic aspects of a broad array of leisure activities and pursuits can truly transform people’s lives and sense of well-being.

Flexible graduate degree options include:

• M.S. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

Penn State Recreation, Park and Tourism Management M.S. graduates have expertise in specific aspect(s) of the field. They understand and can critically analyze research and be effective communicators to various audiences. Graduates conduct themselves in line with the highest ethical standards and inclusive professional practices. They can engage in a research team and implement research as demonstrated in a thesis.

• Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

Penn State Recreation, Park and Tourism Management Ph.D. graduates have breadth and depth of expertise in theoretical and methodological approaches. They understand and can critically analyze research and be effective communicators to various audiences. Graduates conduct themselves in line with the highest ethical standards and inclusive professional practices. They have a substantive level of expertise in their focus area and can independently lead a research project that makes a unique contribution to the field.

Whether your dream job lies in academia, research, parks and land management, non-profit organizations, tourism bureaus, or a related field, an advanced degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management from Penn State will help you achieve these goals — and so much more.