Sport and Recreation Administration (M.S.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Bryan Romsa, EdD, Assistant Professor
Stella Liu, PhD, Assistant Professor
Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences
Wagner Hall 425, Box 2275A
605-688-5161

Program Information

The Sport and Recreation Administration program at South Dakota State University prepares students to become dynamic leaders in intercollegiate athletics as well as campus and community recreation. The curriculum and internship experiences will educate students in management, marketing, communications, facilities, finance, ethics and legal issues, research, and much more. In addition to their experiential learning opportunities in their coursework, students will gain valuable real world experiences with our industry partners both on and off campus. Students graduating from the program will be equipped with a skill set that can be directly applied to a wide range of exciting career possibilities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Management and ethical leadership: Students will understand a foundation in advanced principles and procedures of management and ethical leadership (e.g., administration, marketing, finance and budgeting) for the delivery of sport and recreation management. (Transferable Skill: Leadership - Management)
Effective communication: Students will develop effective writing and oral communication skills within the professional guidelines appropriate to graduate study in the field. (Communication Skills)
Research: Develop effective writing and oral communication skills within the professional guidelines appropriate to graduate study in the field.
Diversity awareness: Demonstrate an appreciation of individual differences, civic responsibility and engagement, ethical issues and all dimensions of diversity. (Transferable Skill: Diversity Awareness)
Experiential learning: Demonstrate the ability to apply the disciplinary knowledge and skills in experiential learning endeavors.

Course Delivery Format

The program consists of lecture and experiential learning opportunities.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences aims to provide premier academic programs and high-quality services to students. A limited number of research and teaching assistantships and scholarships may be available to qualified graduate students.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	32 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	33 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	36 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

HNS 783 - Research Methods in Health and Nutritional Sciences Credits: 3
PE 770 - Sport and Recreation Administration Credits: 3
RECR 750 - Foundations of Sport and Recreation Administration Credits: 3
PE 771 - Seminar in Sport and Recreation Administration Credits: 3
RECR 760 - Advanced Sport and Recreation Marketing Credits: 3
PE 772 - Financial Aspects of Sport and Recreation Administration (COM) Credits: 3
RECR 762 - Ethics in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
RECR 515 - Sport and Recreation Facility Management Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

HNS 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5 credits required)
Electives Credits: 3

Option B - Research/Design Paper

HNS 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Projects Credits: 1-7 (3 credits required)
Electives Credits: 6

Option C - Coursework Only

HNS 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-7 (3 credits required)
Electives Credits: 9

Total Required Credits: 32 (Option A), 33 (Option B), 36 (Option C)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: required score of 550 paper-based, 79-80 Internet-based
IELTS: 6.0

Steps to Apply

Students seeking admission to graduate study in the HNS Department must apply electronically by completing the Online Graduate School Application. Applications require the following in order to be complete:

Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Official transcripts of all previously established academic records (undergraduate and graduate) sent directly to SDSU from the academic institution. Applicants who attended a South Dakota Regental Institution do not need to take any action, as the Graduate School will access any transcripts for you.
A one-page personal statement identifying applicant aspirations and goals for the profession. If interested in an assistantship, please also identify what you would like to be considered for, as well as, provide a description of the skills and abilities that would qualify you for the assistantship.
Two professional references
Submission of $35 application fee, paid through the online application system at the time of application submission.

Applications are due by March 31st. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty within the department to determine interest and ability to accept graduate students.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .