M.S. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management

Designed for those looking to gain a thorough understanding of the expansive and exciting realm of research, theory, and practice related to recreation and leisure, the M.S. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) at Penn State allows students to complete coursework and a research-based thesis to earn a master's degree while on a path toward earning a Ph.D.

Penn State’s graduate programs attract students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and from more than 100 countries all over the world.

Our multidisciplinary graduate program offers unique collaborative research, theory, and practice opportunities related to leisure and recreation experienced at the individual, societal, and cross-cultural levels, with concentrated studies in:

Recreation/tourism management and marketing
Commercial recreation and tourism
Therapeutic recreation
Outdoor recreation and protected area management
Community recreation
General leisure behavior

These include disciplinary areas, such as the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of leisure and recreation; and applied areas, including recreation management, tourism, and outdoor resource-based recreation. Upon completion, students will be thoroughly prepared to take on research, academic, and upper-level administrative positions in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.