The emphasis of the master's program is on applied recreation resource management which includes an in-depth knowledge of issues relating to leisure behavior, tourism, and natural resource management and development. The Department's goal is to attract exceptionally capable and motivated students, including minorities and international students, and to equip them with the knowledge and skills to succeed as practitioners. 

The quality of the master's programs in parks, recreation and tourism management is nationally recognized. The quality of the Department's faculty, facilities, and graduate students is outstanding. As evidence of this quality, North Carolina State University is successful in placing master's graduates in various administrative and professional positions throughout the United States and many foreign countries. 

Recreation resource management is a specialized application of managerial and social principles to the development and operation of both public and private recreation facilities and areas. Consequently, the graduate program allows each student to develop a plan of study and research that challenges and stimulates, as well as meets the student's individualized career objectives. Working with an advisor, the student selects specific courses and special projects or research activities to meet his or her objectives. The general areas of master's coursework provided by the Department include: 

• park and recreation management
• tourism policy and development
• natural resource management 
• recreational sport management
• spatial information systems