Recreation Management Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the graduate program cost?
UW-La Crosse Admissions maintains an updated web page
estimating annual costs of a graduate program. That information is
available at:
http://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/html/afford.htm#2 .
How long does the program take?
There are several factors in determining how long it takes to
complete the Masters in Recreation Management. Of course, the number of
undergraduate deficiencies has an impact. So does the complexity of a
student’s research (if he or she chooses to complete a thesis or
project). If a student attends full-time, he or she probably will take
anywhere from a calendar year (fall, spring, summer) to two years (fall,
spring, summer, fall, spring) to complete the program.
What is the usual class size?
Graduate students take two kinds of classes, 500-level courses
and 700-level courses. 500-level means that graduate students and upper
class undergraduates take the course together. These courses usually
have 20-30 students in them. 700-level courses are graduate students
only. These courses often have about 15 students in them.
Do I have to do a thesis?
A student has three options – thesis, project, or internship. A
student, by the end of his or her first semester on campus, should make
a decision as to which path to take.
Do most students do a thesis or a project or an internship?
The best answer to this question is that it does not matter
what most other students do. The options exist in order to cater to the
needs of a range of students. For example, students who wish to go on
for a Ph.D. should do a thesis. Students who need more practical
experience usually do an internship. Projects often are a good option
for students currently working in the field; often their place of
employment needs a survey, feasibility study, or some other major
undertaking that might also serve as a project. In general, however,
about half of our graduate students do an internship and about half do
either a thesis or project.
What kinds of jobs do graduates get?
Recreation management graduates find work in a wide range of
recreation careers. Examples include municipal park and recreation,
non-profit organizations (e.g.,Y’s, Boys and Girls Club, scouts), campus
recreation, tourism bureaus, health clubs, employee recreation programs,
camps, resorts, military recreation facilities, nature centers, state
and national recreation resource management agencies. Based on the
amount of practical experience students have, graduates usually enter
the field at middle management or upper management levels.
Will I have to take a summer class?
NO – all of the course work is now offered during the regular
semesters.