Online Master of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism
About Our Degree Program
The online Master of Science degree from the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism provides you a quality and highly accessible education, ensuring that you are prepared to meet the changing requirements of the recreation, sport and tourism industry.
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High ranking program and university
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Graduate in 18 months
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Ideal for working professionals
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Cost effective compared to other online programs
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100% online delivery; no campus visit required
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36 credit, non-thesis degree
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No GRE scores required
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No background in RST required
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No additional cost for out-of-state or international students
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Federal financial aid available
Testimonials
Eva Schmidt
Alumni Perspectives
Shannon Elsey
Shannon Elsey is the Superintendent of Recreation for the Oak Brook Terrace Park District which provides Park and Recreation Services for Oak Brook Terrace. Shannon graduated from the University of Illinois with an online Masters degree in RST in May of 2015.
“The University of Illinois Online Master of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism program provided me a valuable opportunity to pursue a graduate degree while continuing to work full-time on growing my career in college athletics administration. I was able to take the knowledge and skills that I gained during my master’s program and immediately implement them with my employer. My Illinois degree has opened doors and provided essential tools to assist me in earning promotions as I continue to advance in my career as a college athletics administrator. The flexibility of the program, along with great communication from faculty and staff, creates a perfect situation for a working sports professional to pursue a master’s degree”
- Chris Lynn
- Associate AD - Development
- Louisiana Tech University
Important Dates
Spring 2021
- Application deadline: December 11, 2020
- First 8 week courses: 12/30/2020 - 2/23/2021
- Second 8 week courses: 2/24/2021 - 4/20/2021
Summer 2021
- Application deadline: April 15, 2021
- First 8 week courses: 4/28/2021 - 6/22/2021
- Second 8 week courses: 6/23/2021 - 8/17/2021
Fall 2021
- Application deadline: August 15, 2021
- First 8 week courses: 8/25/2021 - 10/19/2021
- Second 8 week courses: 10/22/2021 - 12/14/2021
Required Courses
| Code | Course |
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RST 501-Concepts & Applications in RST
Hours: 4 |
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RST 512-Managing RST Organizations
Hours: 4 |
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RST 515-Marketing in RST
Hours: 4 |
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RST 516-Finance & Budgeting
Hours: 4 |
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RST 519-Strategic Management
Hours: 4 |
Total Hours: 20
Required Emphasis Area Coursework
Select one of the following courses
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
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RST 502-Critical Issues in Recreation Hours
Hours: 4 |
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RST 520-Critical Issues in Sport
Hours: 4 |
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RST 530-Critical issues in Tourism
Hours: 4 |
Total Hours: 4
Graduate Electives
Select three of the following courses
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
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RST-503 Advanced Research Methods
Hours: 4 |
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RST-518 Event Management
Hours: 4 |
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RST-594 Park Planning and Design
Hours: 4 |
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RST 593-Special Problems
Hours: 4 |
Total Hours: 12
Tuition and Fees
The RST online MS degree features a flat-rate tuition—no additional cost for out-of-state or international students. Cost of the program for the 2018-2019 academic year is $700 per credit hour including fees. Veteran benefits apply.
Financial aid is available.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree with a cumulative 3.0 GPA (4.0 grading scale) in the last 60 credit hours/two years from a regionally accredited college/university
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- NO GRE is required
- Application fee
- For international applicants – Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT – greater than 102; IELTS – greater than 7.0)
Application Checklist for Summer and Fall 2020
For more information, contact Timothy Tiger, Program Coordinator or call 217-333-3629
Online Graduate Handbook
You can download the Online Graduate Handbook by following this link.