The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies offers a program of graduate studies leading to the Master of Science degree in Recreation Administration. The program helps prepare professional personnel who are competent managers of private and public agencies and programs, who can conduct research and evaluation of recreation services, and who can contribute to the development of a professional philosophy of leisure. Unusually fine opportunities exist in Long Beach and Southern California for interaction with recreation agencies of all kinds.
Students seeking admission to the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies Graduate Program should have an undergraduate degree and a desire for graduate study. Applicants must apply for admission to the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department in addition to being admitted by Enrollment Services/Admissions.
The following items must be submitted:
Admitted graduate students must contact the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies Graduate Coordinator for advisement early in their first semester of enrollment in order to develop an approved program of study.
Graduate students must complete the following prerequisites before advancing to candidacy:
The following are required for student to advance to candidacy:
The core requirements for a masters of science in recreation administration are REC 521, 571, 591, 595, and 696. In addition to the core classes, students are required to complete elective units and thesis or project units. The thesis option requires one unit of REC 599 and four units of REC 698, plus 12 units of electives. The project option requires three units of REC 698 plus 20 units of electives. Elective courses are to be selected after consultation with the graduate advisor. A maximum of 6 units may be taken from 300 or 400-level courses in Recreation. Up to six units of graduate work may be transferred from another accredited university or another department in CSULB. Transfer credit must be a “B” or better. All students must earn a grade of "A" or "B" for each required course. Students may not have more than 6 units of "C" grades apply toward the master’s degree. Advancement to candidacy is necessary before REC 697 or 698 can be taken.
The thesis or project is a supervised experience in the application of theory and analytical tools to an issue in recreation and leisure services.
The thesis should prepare students for further graduate work or research in the field. The project should provide an experience that is directly applicable to an occupation in recreation and leisure services. The thesis is a written product of the systematic study of a significant problem. It clearly identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. The thesis is supervised by a committee of three, including the Thesis Chair, who must be a full-time tenure-track or tenured faculty member in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department, and two other faculty members.
The project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the professional field. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written report that includes the project’s significance, a review of the literature, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. The coursework is supervised by a committee of three, including the Project Chair, who must be a full-time tenure-track or tenured faculty member in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department, and two other faculty members.
Leisure and recreation experiences add quality and enjoyment to life. When individuals experience significant changes in their lives, often through retirement or disabling injuries, they may need counseling to identify and develop leisure skills appropriate to their new life situations. This certificate program prepares students to use counseling techniques to enhance quality of life through leisure.
Admission/Prerequisite: Persons holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Recreation or Therapeutic Recreation or a related allied health field (e.g. Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, Gerontology, Psychology, Adapted Physical Education, Counseling); two years verified experience in counseling approved by the program advisor.
Core requirements: REC 454/554, 503, 590; EDP 532, 533.
Additional courses: 3 units which must be taken with approval of the advisor of the certificate program.
