Recreation Management
Student resources
Recreation Management program resources
Thesis & projects
Recreation Management graduate students may choose from one of three capstone options for their degree program: thesis, project, or internship. Please see the Internships section below for more information on this option!
A thesis is a research project resulting in a bound publication explaining the study and its results. A thesis committee consists of a faculty advisor and two other committee members. A project, while not necessarily a research project, is an extensive undertaking. A project committee consists of only one person, the student's project advisor.
Useful Information
Students conducting research will be interested in the following:
Graduate research and travel grants
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Examples of theses and projects include:
Mueller, H. Is Receation Worth the Wait? An Exploration of Wait Time, Satisfaction, and Loyalty in Recreational Experiences. MS in Recreation Management, December 2018, 50 pp.
Rasmussen, H. Disturbance of Waterfowl by Boaters on Pool 4 of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. MS in Recreation Management, May 2007, 49 pp.
Ball, J. Leadership Competencies of University Recreational Directors in Wisconsin. MS in Recreation Management, May 2007, 37 pp.
Internships
An internship is required for Recreation Management majors and is designed to be a culminating experience in which students put into practice what they have learned. REC 700 graduate internship is 6 credits for a minimum number of 420 hours, working either part-time or full-time. The time frame for the internship typically begins one week before courses begin. The internship should encompass all of the following areas:
- Programming
- Marketing & Public Relations
- Human Resource Management
- Facility Operations & Maintenance
- Budgeting & Financial Management
Interns will receive a letter grade for their internship experience. They are responsible for the following throughout the internship:
- Written biweekly reports
- Major project outline
- Major project
- Final site evaluation
Additionally, the student is responsible for the internship site supervisor submitting a midterm and final evaluation.
Interns within a 250-mile radius of La Crosse will receive a visit from his or her faculty advisor. Students outside the 250-mile radius will communicate with the advisor by telephone and other electronic means.
For more information on our internship program, prospective internship sites are welcome to contact the Internship Coordinator.
Contact Information:
Brian Kumm-Schaley, Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator
Assistant Professor
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Department of Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation
2049 Health Science Center
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Office: 608.785.8212
Fax: 608.785.8206
Email: bkumm-schaley@uwlax.edu
Program forms
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the graduate program cost?
Check out our program's Cost to attend and financial aid page for information on the cost and what we offer to help pay for graduate school at UWL.
Is there tuition reciprocity for students from MN?
Yes! Minnesota residents should complete an Application for Reciprocity Fee Status, to be considered for a lower tuition rate than other non-residents. Learn more on the Financial Aid Office's Graduate Tuition & Fees page.
Can I apply for an out-of-state fee waiver?
Yes! For more information and to apply, contact the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Kate Evans.
How long does the program take?
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.
Will I have to take a summer class?
NO - all of the course work is now offered during the regular semesters.
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.
UWL graduate student resources
Graduate students should be aware of resources available as well as the policies and guidelines impacting graduate education. Links to this much of this important information are available below. If you can't find what you need below, please contact us, gradstudies@uwlax.edu.
Academic policies
Graduate students must adhere to university policies as well as program specific requirements. University policy information is available within the Graduate Catalog.
For information related to how to make changes in your student status, such as changing program, adding a concentration or certificate, or requesting a time extension for degree completion, please refer to the Changes in student status page on the Graduate Education website.
Campus resources
Graduate students at UWL have access to numerous campus resources. Visit the Campus Life page to learn about services that are available to grad students.
International student resources
International Education & Engagement
International Education & Engagement (IEE)
The International Education & Engagement office team of advisors and knowledgeable student staff are here to offer specialized support for international students.
Grants & scholarships through Graduate & Extended Learning (GEL)
Graduate and Extended Learning with support from the Academic Initiatives Differential Allocation Committee, and the Graduate Student Organization work to provide funding opportunities for our graduate students. The grant writing and scholarship competition processes involved also serve as unique professional development opportunities for students.
Visit the program's Financial Aid page for additional scholarship opportunities.
Representation - Make your voice heard, get involved
As a graduate student, you are eligible to serve on campus committees and to run for Student Association. University involvement can be an important professional development experience during graduate school, we encourage you to check out the opportunities on our Get involved page!
Not sure where to start?
Graduate & Extended Learning is dedicated to helping graduate students from application through commencement. We are here for you throughout your UWL journey. Email your questions to gradstudies@uwlax.edu.