MS in Natural Resources with Emphasis in Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Since virtually everyone participates in some form of leisure, the primary benefit of Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism (PRST) is to improve quality of life issues. The unique interaction of people, places, and activities establish our profession as one of the world's oldest and 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 within PRT, or admission into doctoral programs. 

Degree Requirements

The MS in Natural Resources - Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism (PRST) prepares students for professional practice and academic careers. The curriculum is designed to develop skills in coordination with industry standards while emphasizing the integration of theory, research and practice. This program features a thesis and a non-thesis project option; however, all students are required to complete the following: 

  • A minimum of 30 credit hours for the thesis track OR a minimum of 36 credit hours for the non-thesis project track
  • 15 hours or more at the 8000 course level; with four 8000 level classes in the School of Natural Resources
  • GPA 3.0 or greater
  • NAT_R 9087 Graduate Seminar in Natural Resources
  • PRST 8400 Constructs of Leisure
  • PRST 8430 Social and Behavioral Research Methods
  • Graduate level (7000 level and above) analysis course (e.g., statistics, analytics, qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) 

Please see the MS in Natural Resources for major more information on degree requirements. 

Accelerated BS in Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism to MS in Natural Resources with Emphasis in Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism

An accelerated option is available for the BS in Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism to MS in Natural Resources with Emphasis in Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism. Refer to the Graduate School’s webpage on Accelerated Programs for more information. For general information on how accelerated options work at MU, and for guidance on participation, refer to Accelerated Options in the catalog.

Thesis/Non-Thesis Requirements

All students are required to take Graduate Seminar in Natural Resources (NAT_R 9087).

Thesis Option

Students in the thesis option will complete 30 credit hours of coursework with no more than 12 credits for thesis research. Students choosing the thesis option will prepare a written research proposal and make an oral defense of that proposal within 12 months of their initial enrollment in the program. Students in the thesis option will write a thesis based on their research, present a public seminar announced at least two weeks prior to their defense date, and participate in an oral defense of their thesis.

Non-Thesis Option

Students in the non-thesis option will complete 36 credit hours of coursework with no more than 6 credits for project research. Students choosing the non-thesis option will write a technical report based on their project, present a public seminar announced at least two weeks prior to the defense of their report, and participate in an oral defense of their report. 

Contacts

Dr. Michelle Brimecombe, Teaching Assistant Professor
Graduate Program Emphasis Coordinator of Parks, Recreation, Sport & Tourism
School of Natural Resources
203N ABNR
(573) 882-9188
mjbyk3@missouri.edu
https://cafnr.missouri.edu/directory/michelle-brimecombe/