Accelerated Graduate Pathway: Parks, Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism

The Accelerated Graduate Pathway in Parks, Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism allows academically advanced undergraduate students to engage with graduate-level courses and expectations while completing their undergraduate degree requirements.

This pathway is for undergraduates enrolled in Outdoor Recreation and Education, Recreation Management, or Restaurant, Hotel, and Tourism majors.

How It Works

Students in the Accelerated Graduate Pathway may apply up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements within their chosen specialization.

View Accelerated Graduate Pathway Requirements in the Catalog

Admissions Information

Students are eligible to apply through the Early Assurance Pathway for the Master of Science in Parks, Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism. In addition to meeting standard university admission criteria, EAP applicants will be expected to demonstrate strong academic preparation and a clear interest in one of the Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism specialization areas. Admission requirements for the EAP include:

• High school GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Academic rigor: Completion of a college-preparatory curriculum with evidence of success in advanced, honors, or dual-enrollment coursework. 
• Statement of interest: A brief written statement outlining the student’s academic and professional goals and describing their interest in pursuing the accelerated pathway into the Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism master’s program.
• Optional supporting materials: While not required, applicants may submit a resume of relevant experiences (e.g., work, volunteer service, leadership roles) that demonstrate commitment to hospitality, recreation, or outdoor education fields
• Continuation standards: To maintain early-assurance status, students must meet ongoing academic performance benchmarks during their undergraduate studies, including a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 and timely completion of prerequisite and dual-listed coursework.

Students become eligible to apply for conditional admission to the Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism graduate program once they have completed at least 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework, formally declared one of the undergraduate majors, and satisfied all lower-division (2000-level) requirements associated with their chosen major. Conditional admission requirements include having:

• Maintained a minimum 3.2 overall GPA or 3.0 overall with a 3.5 in the most recent 30 hours.
• Declared one of the following majors/concentrations: Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies - Outdoor Recreation & Education (BS8192); Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies - Recreation Management (BS8193); or Restaurant, Hotel, and Tourism (BS6367).
• Completed 75% of Tier 2 General Education Requirements. 
• Completed 50% of major credit hours. 

Students become eligible to begin taking graduate courses once they have fulfilled a minimum of 75 credit hours and been conditionally admitted into the graduate program.