Application Process
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management graduate students are admitted to the university through NC State’s Graduate School. Faculty in our department review applications and make recommendations to the Graduate School regarding admission of applicants to the department. A critical factor in our admission decisions for on-campus graduate degrees is whether there is a match of research interests between an applicant and a faculty member who is available to serve as academic advisor. Please review our faculty research and our faculty experts and contact the faculty members who share your academic interests. We cannot admit any students without a faculty sponsor regardless of their credentials.
Once admitted, graduate students will enroll in courses listed on the Student Services website. All of our graduate courses are designated as 500-level or higher. It is common for students pursuing graduate degrees to follow a study program that includes courses in a variety of areas.
Application Deadlines:
- February 15: Fall admission to Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management graduate programs (ON-CAMPUS, research-based Master’s and Doctoral).
- March 30: Natural Resources (Master’s program – technical option).
- May 15: Fall admission to Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management graduate program (ONLINE Professional Master’s).
- June 15: Sports Entertainment Venue Management (Graduate Certificate)
Admission Criteria
- Official transcripts documenting successful completion of an undergraduate degree
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Work experience: two years of post-undergraduate full-time professional experience, or completed 6 or more graduate credit hours (e.g., through SEVM, NDS, or other graduate-level coursework)
- Recommendations: three professional letters are required, with encouragement to include one academic reference. Letters should give specific examples of leadership, teamwork, communication, intellectual ability, and interpersonal skills, and explicitly speak to graduate-level potential.
- Personal statement: should (a) describe significant experiences that shaped the decision to pursue the MPRTSM, (b) outline professional goals and how the degree aligns, and (c) if GPA is below 3.0, explain why and provide evidence of capability.
Application Guidelines
Your personal statement (1-2 pages) should focus on your professional interests and how this degree will help you meet those interests and goals. We suggest that you list your goals and objectives at the beginning of the personal statement to make it easier for faculty to review your application.
Please also attach your resume (1-2 pages) to your application.
International Students
Our department welcomes graduate students from universities all around the world. For international students, the NC State Graduate School has a few extra requirements:
- Acceptable TOEFL scores of at least 80 on the internet-based version. Section O: English Proficiency Requirements of the Graduate Handbook lists minimum scores for each section). Scores should be no more than 2 years old.
- A Visa Clearance Form and a Certificate of Financial Responsibility before a final admission decision can be made.
