The Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism (PRHT) master's program combines coursework, research, and practical experiences to cultivate parks, recreation, hospitality, and tourism professionals and scholars. The graduate-level program is committed to enriching our communities through model outreach programs and activities and to advancing scholarship that informs policy and practice. The program offers three specializations: Hospitality Management; Outdoor Recreation & Education; and Recreation Management. Students often couple their interests in parks, recreation, hospitality, and tourism with other complementary areas of study, such as sustainable tourism, environmental studies, event planning and management, coaching education, and others. This is a 30-hour program and takes two to three semesters to complete.
Immersive Experiences
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Outdoor Leadership
Designed to help students develop the knowledge and expertise required for effective outdoor leadership, this course includes extended expeditions backpacking in Pisgah National Forest, sea kayaking along Cape Lookout National Seashore, and bike packing in the Allegheny Highlands.
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Ecotourism Destinations: Costa Rica
This education abroad program is designed to provide students with opportunities to examine the principles and practices of ecotourism in action through a 10-day ecotourism experience in the world-renowned ecotourism destination of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica: Ecotourism Destinations
Graduate Assistantships
Students pursuing a master’s degree in PRHT are eligible for the following Graduate Teaching Assistant positions, among others:
Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism Program
Admissions Information
Applications are accepted year-round. Typically, applications for both admission and financial aid for the next academic year should be received by February 15.
Admissions Requirements
Applications for the online M.S. program must be submitted electronically to the Graduate College. Applicants are not required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of the application process. However, those choosing to do so must request official GRE scores be sent directly from the testing agency, using Ohio University reporting code 1593.
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or equivalent with a record of substantial coursework in English language and literature.
- Official Transcripts of all post-secondary academic work must be submitted with the online application.
- A two-page typed essaythat includes information about your background and prior experience, your professional purpose and career goals, and how the Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism program can help you to fulfill your goals.
- A resumeof your educational background and professional work experience.
- Three letters of recommendationusing the recommendation form provided by the Graduate College (generated by completion of the application form). At least one reference must be from someone who can attest to your qualifications in your chosen field and at least one must be from an academic faculty member who can support your ability to produce successful academic work at the graduate level. Please be certain to identify your intended concentration before giving the form to the person providing the reference.
- English Proficiency: Please review information about Ohio University’s English Language Proficiency requirements .
University and Community Partners and Resources
Costs and Financial Aid
When you choose OHIO, you’re getting the competitive tuition rates of a state university, but with the personalized attention and support you might expect from a private school. In fact, for the second consecutive year we were named the best value among Ohio’s public universities by U.S. News & World Report .
Tuition and fees are assessed based on the number of credit hours of enrollment, Ohio residency and program.
Contact
If you have any questions, please reach out to:
Dr. Andrew Szolosi
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism
Patton College of Education
Patton Hall 202
Athens, OH 45701
740.597.1757