PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
PhD · Taught in en · UCAS RPTM
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management graduate program at Penn State prepares students for leadership roles in research, teaching, administration, and supervision within various sectors including higher education, public and private park systems, non-profit organizations, and commercial enterprises. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific research interests in areas such as community recreation, tourism, therapeutic settings, park planning, resource management, outdoor education, and interpretive services.
Careers
Graduates are prepared for research, teaching, administrative, and supervisory positions in various settings including universities, public and private recreation and park systems, voluntary agencies, and commercial ventures.
- Researcher
- University Faculty
- Administrator in Recreation and Park Systems
- Supervisor in Recreation and Park Systems
- Roles in voluntary agencies
- Roles in commercial enterprises
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic qualifications needed for the PhD in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management?
- You need a master's degree to be admitted to the PhD program. A minimum 3.00 junior/senior GPA on a 4.00 scale is also required, along with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or its international equivalent.
- Do I need to have a GRE score to apply?
- No, GRE scores are not required for admission to the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program.
- How do I apply for the PhD program and when is the deadline?
- You must secure an RPTM Graduate Faculty member to serve as your advisor before applying through the Fox Graduate School application portal. The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15.
- What is the estimated duration of the PhD program?
- The PhD program requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits and students have eight years after the qualifying exam to complete their degree. A minimum of two semesters of residency is required over a twelve-month period between the qualifying exam and program completion.
- What are the potential career paths after completing this PhD?
- Graduates are prepared for research, teaching, and administrative roles in higher education, public and private park systems, non-profit organizations, and commercial enterprises.
- How is tuition determined for international students?
- Tuition rates for international students are based on campus and academic year and can be found in the 'Tuition and Fees Schedules'. These rates differ from those for Pennsylvania residents.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or an equivalent international degree. Applicants from non-recreation/park backgrounds are welcome but may need to complete prerequisite coursework (3-9 credits) as determined by the program director and faculty. A minimum 3.00 junior/senior GPA on a 4.00 scale is required. Admission is contingent upon securing an RPTM Graduate Faculty member to serve as an academic advisor.
Master's degreeA master's degree is required for admission to the Ph.D. program.
GRE scores are not required for admission. For dual-title programs, students must apply and be admitted to the primary RPTM program and the Graduate School first, then meet the specific admission requirements of the dual-title program (Transdisciplinary Research on Environment and Society or Social Data Analytics).
Fees
Tuition (international)See 'Tuition and Fees Schedules' for specific rates based on academic year and campus. Non-Pennsylvania residents (including international students) will have different rates than Pennsylvania residents.
Tuition (home)See 'Tuition and Fees Schedules' for specific rates based on academic year and campus. Pennsylvania residents will have different rates than non-Pennsylvania residents.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition and fees apply regardless of instructional mode and will not be refunded if the mode changes. Rates are provided for Fall/Spring and Summer semesters for various campuses.
How to apply
1. Check Bulletin EditionEnsure you are viewing the correct Graduate Bulletin edition (e.g., 2026-2027).
2. Review Graduate Council PoliciesFamiliarize yourself with the general admissions policies (GCAC-300) and research degree policies (GCAC-600) from the Graduate Council.
3. Secure an AdvisorIdentify and secure an RPTM Graduate Faculty member who agrees to serve as your Academic Advisor. This is a requirement for admission.
4. Complete the ApplicationSubmit your application through the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School application portal.
5. Submit Supporting MaterialsEnsure all required materials, including recommendation letters and any supplemental documents, are submitted by the deadline.
6. Apply for Dual-Title Programs (if applicable)If interested in a dual-title Ph.D. (e.g., with Transdisciplinary Research on Environment and Society or Social Data Analytics), indicate this interest during your primary program application or apply for admission to the dual-title program separately, meeting its specific requirements before the end of your fourth semester.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic qualifications needed for the PhD in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management?
+
You need a master's degree to be admitted to the PhD program. A minimum 3.00 junior/senior GPA on a 4.00 scale is also required, along with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or its international equivalent.
Do I need to have a GRE score to apply?
+
No, GRE scores are not required for admission to the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program.
How do I apply for the PhD program and when is the deadline?
+
You must secure an RPTM Graduate Faculty member to serve as your advisor before applying through the Fox Graduate School application portal. The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15.
What is the estimated duration of the PhD program?
+
The PhD program requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits and students have eight years after the qualifying exam to complete their degree. A minimum of two semesters of residency is required over a twelve-month period between the qualifying exam and program completion.
What are the potential career paths after completing this PhD?
+
Graduates are prepared for research, teaching, and administrative roles in higher education, public and private park systems, non-profit organizations, and commercial enterprises.
How is tuition determined for international students?
+
Tuition rates for international students are based on campus and academic year and can be found in the 'Tuition and Fees Schedules'. These rates differ from those for Pennsylvania residents.