Kinesiology & Recreation - Recreation Administration
Overview
This program prepares students to make a positive impact on professional practices and policies in recreation management. It also helps them be successful leaders in recreation, parks, and tourism.
Students think conceptually and analytically while focusing on scholarship and a disciplinary study. Coursework applies theories and practices in the areas of management, marketing, and finance. At the end of the sequence, students complete a thesis, professional practice, or an independent study.
Recreation Administration offers top-notch learning facilities and small class sizes that encourage interaction and discussion. Faculty members are dedicated to supporting students and provide learning opportunities that connect students to real-world professional issues.
Point of Pride
The Recreation and Sport Management program has been nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions for more than 30 years.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Tracy Mainieri
(309) 438-2337
McCormick SFC 158
Schedule a Visit
Discover what life as an Illinois State graduate student is like.
How to Apply
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a master's program must:
- have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
- present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.
GPA
You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master’s program.
Resume
Submit a current resume that outlines your education and work history (2-page maximum).
Statement of Career Goals
Submit a 2-3 page statement that discusses:
- Your motivations for pursuing graduate school
- Your career aspirations when you complete your graduate degree
- How you feel an Illinois State Recreation Administration degree will help you reach your career goals
- Any additional information you’d like to share about your interest in our program
At the end of your statement, briefly indicate whether you are pursing any graduate assistantship positions at Illinois State.
Reference Information
Submit the names and email addresses of three references for letters of recommendation within the online application.
If you completed your undergraduate degree in the past five years, we prefer at least one of your reference letters come from one of your undergraduate instructors.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Term — February 1
- Spring Term — Case by case basis - contact graduate the coordinator for availability
Graduate Assistantships
The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,
- be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
- be in good-standing
- be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).
Benefits
Graduate assistants receive
- monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
- a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
- a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment
Costs & Funding
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.
I Want to Learn More
Request Information Form
Loading form...