Two concentrations are offered at the master’s level in Recreation and Sport Management: Sport Management and Therapeutic Recreation. One of the primary features of the concentrations is an emphasis on the experiential education approach to academic preparation. Students graduating from this program will gain practical experience to accompany their academic degree.
Concentrations (Required) and Options Available
Sport Management — Thesis, Course Only without Comprehensive Exam
Therapeutic Recreation — Thesis, Course Only with Comprehensive Exam
Campus Option
Knoxville Campus
Admissions Standards/Procedures
- Sport Management Concentration
- A minimum overall grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or a 3.00 GPA during the senior year of undergraduate study from a regionally accredited university or college is required.
- Applicants must first be admitted to the Graduate School as a graduate student, and then be admitted to the Sport and Recreation Management Graduate Program, Sport Management Concentration.
- Admission priority is given to applications completed by February 1.
- Application requirements to the Sport Management Graduate Program includes submission of the online application to Office of Graduate Admissions along with the following items through the application portal:
- Department Application Form
- Transcripts
- Three (3) Rating Forms
- Resume
- Submission of GRE scores is optional
- Therapeutic Recreation Concentration
- Applications are reviewed prior to beginning of the fall semester.
- Application deadline for fall admission is August 1.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or a 3.00 GPA during the senior year from an accredited university or college is required.
- Applicants must first be admitted to the Graduate School as a graduate student, and then be admitted to the Recreation and Sport Management Graduate Program, Therapeutic Recreation concentration.
- Application requirements to Therapeutic Recreation Graduate Program includes submission of the online application to Office of Graduate Admissions along with the following items through the application portal:
- Department Application Form
- Transcripts
- Three (3) Rating Forms
- Resume
Sport Management Concentration — Thesis
The Sport Management concentration provides the opportunity for students to have a quality academic experience and to gain professional experience as they prepare for careers in the sports industry.
Credit Hours Required
36 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Required Courses (9 credit hours)
- Recreation and Sport Management Electives (12 credit hours)
- RSM 556 or select one Sport Studies course (3 credit hours) from the following:
- Electives (6 credit hours)
- These courses can be taken within the department. A total of three (3) credit hours may be earned in RSM 590 and six (6) credit hours in RSM 595 combined. Students cannot earn credit hours toward graduation in both.
- RSM 500 (6 credit hours)
Non-Course Requirements
- Preparation of a written thesis and undergo an oral defense
Sport Management Concentration — Course Only without Comprehensive Exam
The Sport Management concentration provides the opportunity for students to have a quality academic experience and to gain professional experience as they prepare for careers in the sports industry.
Credit Hours Required
36 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Required Courses (9 credit hours)
- Recreation and Sport Management Electives (12 credit hours)
- RSM 556 or a Sport Studies course (3 credit hours) selected from the following:
- Electives (9 credit hours)
- These courses can be taken within the department. A total of three (3) credit hours may be earned in RSM 590 and six (6) credit hours in RSM 595 combined. Students cannot earn credit hours toward graduation in both.
- RSM 501 (3 credit hours)
Therapeutic Recreation Concentration — Thesis
The therapeutic recreation concentration prepares students for employment in management and leadership positions with agencies that deliver health care services. Students are successful in gaining employment in physical rehabilitation hospitals, children’s programs, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment centers, programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities, long-term care and assisted living facilities, and in community, outdoor and school-based therapeutic recreation programs. Graduates of the program fulfill the requirements for national certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and have been successful in completing the national exam.
Credit Hours Required
36 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Required Courses (18 credit hours)
- RSM 596 (6 credit hours)
- Must meet national certification requirements
- RSM 508 (3 credit hours)
- Course in statistical reasoning, selected in consultation with the major professor (3 credit hours)
- RSM 500 (6 credit hours)
Non-Course Requirements
- Preparation of a written thesis and undergo an oral defense
- Professional Certification
- Students enrolled in the Therapeutic Recreation concentration are urged to prepare for and take the professional certification examination offered by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation. Many public, quasi-public and nonprofit employers are mandating professional certification as a condition of employment. Courses in the degree program prepare the student to do so. The primary purpose of certification is to ensure that personnel employed in therapeutic recreation meet high standards of performance.
Therapeutic Recreation Concentration — Course Only with Comprehensive Exam
The therapeutic recreation concentration prepares students for employment in management and leadership positions with agencies that deliver health care services. Students are successful in gaining employment in physical rehabilitation hospitals, children’s programs, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment centers, programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities, long-term care and assisted living facilities, and in community, outdoor and school-based therapeutic recreation programs. Graduates of the program fulfill the requirements for national certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and have been successful in completing the national exam.
Credit Hours Required
36 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Required Courses (18 credit hours)
- RSM 596 (6 credit hours)
- Must meet national certification requirements
- RSM 508 (3 credit hours)
- Course in statistical reasoning, selected in consultation with the major professor (3 credit hours)
- Advisor-approved electives (6 credit hours)
Non-Course Requirements
- Students take a written comprehensive exam.
- Professional Certification
- Students enrolled in the Therapeutic Recreation concentration are urged to prepare for and take the professional certification examination offered by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation. Many public, quasi-public and nonprofit employers are mandating professional certification as a condition of employment. Courses in the degree program prepare the student to do so. The primary purpose of certification is to ensure that personnel employed in therapeutic recreation meet high standards of performance.
