MS Community Resources and Development (Parks and Recreation Management) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

In the Master of Science program in community resources and development with a concentration in parks and recreation management, you prepare for research and leadership roles in parks, recreation and community services. You gain expertise in community services management, sustainability and critical-issue analysis through theoretical and applied learning. Coursework includes in-depth study of topics related to parks, recreation, tourism, nonprofit organizations and sustainable communities.

What you will study

30 credit hours and a thesis, or 36 credit hours including the required applied project course (CRD 593) Required Core (15 credit hours) CRD 500 Research Methods (3) CRD 502 Statistical and Data Analysis (3) CRD 530 Community Services Management (3) or advanced inquiry course (3) CRD 552 Critical Issues (3) CRD 555 Theoretical Perspectives in Community Development (3) Concentration (6 credit hours) CRD 569 Advanced Tourism and Recreation Studies (3) TDM 570 Sustainable Tourism (3) Electives (3 or 9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) CRD 593 Applied Project (6) or CRD 599 Thesis (6) Additional Curriculum Information Students may select a thesis or applied project; in both cases, a faculty member is assigned to each student to provide advising and direction.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for leadership and management positions in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private-sector enterprises that oversee recreation and community services. Career paths include these roles: community services officer nonprofit or nongovernmental organization officer parks and recreation officer tourism officer

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts statement of professional and academic goals three letters of recommendation current resume proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL iBT® or IELTS scores and a financial guarantee statement. Only complete application files are reviewed.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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