FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum GPA requirement to be admitted?
Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
Is financial assistance available?
Do I need to contact professors to serve as my advisors before I can be admitted?
When is the deadline for application?
What is the difference between the MS Thesis and Practicum Project?
What types of jobs do recreation and tourism graduates secure with their degrees?
How do I find out if I am eligible for admission?
Q: What is the minimum GPA requirement to be admitted?
A: Applicants must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA to be admitted to any of our graduate degree programs.
Q: Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
A: You are required to take the GRE examination in order to be considered for admission to either the MNpS, MS and PhD programs. This exam should have been taken within the last 5 years from your application date. You do NOT have to take the exam to be admitted to the MAS-ST program.
Q: Is financial assistance available?
A. We have a limited number of graduate assistantships available for teaching or research. In these positions, students assist faculty in teaching or research for up to 20 hours/week. Students with a 50% time assistantship will receive a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, and health benefits. Monthly stipends with 50% time assistantship are $1,388 for Master’s students and $1,777 for Ph D students. A number of other financial assistance options are available for students. The Graduate College website has more information.
Q: Do I need to contact professors to serve as my advisors before I can be admitted?
A:It is not required, but students interested in the PhD should go through the faculty profiles and contact professors who could potentially serve as your advisors when you are admitted.
Q: When is the application deadline?
A:For the MS program, the application deadline for fall and spring enrollment is March 1st and October 1st, respectively. For the MAS-ST we accept students for fall only with a deadline of July 30 for receipt of all application materials. For the MNpS, the deadline for applications is March 1st for summer and fall and October 1st for spring. For the PhD program, we accept students only in fall. Application deadline is February 1st. For all programs we may accept applications after the deadline based on the availability of space. Late applicants will not be considered for assistantships.
Q: What is the difference between the MS Thesis and Practicum Project?
The thesis option is intended to deepen the understanding of a specific topic within Recreation and Tourism. In this option, students do research under the guidance of a thesis advisor (committee chair) and two additional faculty members. The thesis option is highly recommended for students wishing to pursue doctoral studies upon the completion of the MS, or those seeking research positions.
The practicum project is intended to equip students to address applied problems or issues relevant to partner agencies/organizations. Past practicum research projects have included program evaluations, needs assessments, customer surveys/interviews, and marketing or strategic plans. Students should have a faculty advisor, one additional faculty member, and an agency supervisor in designing the research component.
Q: What types of jobs do recreation and tourism graduates secure with their degrees?
Our graduates work for federal, state and local parks and recreation agencies such as the US Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Services, Arizona State Parks and the city parks and recreation departments. They work in tourism organizations such as the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Arizona Office of Tourism. They also work in private businesses such as Choice Hotels and Travelocity. Others lead and work in nonprofit organizations such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs. For additional information about our recent graduate students, please visit the alumni page.
Q: How do I find out if I am eligible for admission?
A: Please call the School’s main phone number at (602) 496-0550 or email scrd@asu.edu and you will be directed to the appropriate program director.
