Frequently Asked Questions
Am I ever required to come to campus?
No, however there will be an opportunity to come to campus to present your capstone project and attend the Graduate & Extended Learning Hooding Ceremony and the University Commencement ceremony!
Am I required to be online at certain times?
Students in each cohort work together through the courses. You will have weekly synchronous class meetings, but these will be in the evenings, will occur only once a week, and will be set at the start of the course to facilitate your scheduling. Additionally, you must keep pace with the class as facilitated by the instructor. For example, you will have deadlines for participating in discussions and submitting assignments. The flexibility is found in your ability to access the class weekly and complete the coursework at any time of the day or night.
Are Graduate Assistantship opportunities available?
On-campus graduate assistantship opportunities are available.
If you are interested in a graduate assistantship, please contact Program Director Kate Evans.
Can I get financial aid or scholarships and grants?
Yes! Check out the Financial aid page for more information.
Can I take classes as a special student even though I am not formally admitted to the degree program?
Admitted students progress through the degree together and will be given course enrollment priority. Decisions about allowing students into classes as a "special student" are made on a case-by-case basis and with the approval of the program director.
Do you accept any graduate credits from other programs (transfer credits)?
Graduate transfer requests will be reviewed by the Recreation Management faculty on a case-by-case basis to determine courses that may be transferred in. Please refer to the campus graduate credit transfer policy.
How long does it take to complete the degree?
This is a two-year program with 2 seven-week courses offered each term for five consecutive terms, including summer. Students will begin in the fall semester and graduate following the spring term of their second year.
How many classes are required to complete the degree?
The Recreation Management - Professional Development M.S. degree consists of 30 credits. Check out the Program overview for more information.
How many classes are taught online?
All of the classes are taught completely online.
How much does the online degree program cost?
Tuition is $575 per credit plus additional fees. The cost is the same for everyone regardless of residency. Check out the Cost to attend page for more information.
How will this degree help me grow in my career?
The Recreation Management M.S.-Professional Development degree guides students through the latest approaches, trends, and research related to the provision of leisure services. The program prepares students for administrative and supervisory positions in any number of recreation and leisure settings by building on their previous experiences and education. The skills students gain in the Master’s program will help them navigate a dynamic professional environment. Graduates will enhance their capacity for critical assessment and evaluation of data, meeting the needs of an ever-diversifying population, employing creative methods for raising funds and leveraging resources, interacting with and leading staff, boards, and stakeholders, and the integration of all of these skills and more into creatively and effectively solving the complex problems facing leisure service organizations today.
Is the GRE required for degree program admission and will I be required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
The GRE is not required for degree program admission and neither a thesis nor a comprehensive exam is required to complete the degree program.
Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
You have seven years from the start of your first course to complete your degree, however, we would encourage you to stay within the 2-year plan. Please go to the Graduate Catalog for more information about this policy.
What happens if I stop out for a semester or two?
If you stop out in the middle of a semester, you must notify the program director and contact the Office of Student Life. If you leave after successful completion of a semester, you must notify only the program director. If you are in good academic standing, you will be able to apply as a re-entry student to return to the degree program.
What is the difference between the online degree and the on-campus degree?
The online Master of Science in Recreation Management - Professional Development degree is not a not a traditional research, thesis-track program. This program focuses on advanced management skills that allow working professionals the opportunity to build on a base of recreation education and/or experience to advance in their knowledge, skill sets, and careers. As such, ideal candidates for this program are prospective students who have either a degree in recreation or leisure or those with a current professional background in recreation or leisure related fields. Although our program is designed for working recreation professionals, other students will be considered for admission dependent upon their application materials and available space in the program. Students interested in a research based degree program may wish to explore UWL’s on-campus graduate program--Master of Science in Recreation Management.
