Master of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Admissions and Prerequisites

Admissions Requirements:

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended, including prior attendance at any campus of the University of Illinois.
• Three (3) letters of reference
• A current resume reflecting academic and professional experience
• A personal statement (submitted separate from your application) that will be reviewed closely to identify your interests and professional experience related to parks, recreation, sport or tourism

Listed below are specific questions for you to address, but not limit yourself to, within your personal statement. These questions can be addressed in one essay, or as itemized responses:

1. What are your goals for graduate study and a professional career? If appropriate, describe your professional experience as it relates to parks, recreation, sport or tourism.
2. Why do you feel the University of Illinois is appropriate for you? Why do you think the online program offered by the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism is a good match for your interests?
3. Why are you pursuing an online graduate degree? In what ways would your degree contribute to your future and/or career?

Please note: Once you have submitted your application to the program, you will receive information from your advisor regarding the process to submit your additional application materials.

Prerequisites:

Minimum requirements for admission to the M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism program are:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution; a major in parks, recreation, sport, tourism or a related field will be given preference
• A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 out of 4.0 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
• Minimum score of 600 on the paper-based (or 250 on the computer-based) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for applicants from non-English speaking countries

Note: Professional experience in the field, although not necessary, would improve your admission application; such experience should be highlighted in your resume and personal statement.

International Students

We consider an international student to be any student who does not have American citizenship or permanent residency status. In addition to the materials requested above and TOEFL scores, international applicants must also submit:

• Applicants with international credentials must present official academic records for all post-secondary schooling by having the credentials evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service that holds membership in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Please visit the NACES web site for a list of participating organizations: www.naces.org/members.htm.

Records are considered official if they meet one of the following criteria:

• The issuing institution sends them directly to The University of Illinois, 510 Devonshire, Suite H, Champaign, IL, 61820.
• They are certified as true copies by an official of the educational institution, an embassy official, or an appropriate government official.
• They have been received in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution.

TOEFL

Minimum score of 600 on the paper-based (or 250 on the computer-based) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for applicants from non-English speaking countries

Application Procedures

You may apply online to a University of Illinois program at any time throughout the year. We make it easy for you to apply and enroll.

Student must indicate residency status at the time of application:

• Resident: Illinois residents
• Non-Resident: Non-Illinois residents/U.S. citizens, U.S. Nationals, and Resident Aliens International: Citizens of countries other than the U.S. and residing outside of the U.S.
• International: Citizens of countries other than the U.S. and residing outside of the U.S.

An application fee must be paid at the time of application. The application fees are $40 for Resident applicants, $50 for Non-Resident and $75 for International. (Please note that payment can be made by credit card only using MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express.)

Once you apply, you will be assigned an Advisor who will work with you throughout the entire process-from admission, to registration, to financial aid, and all the way through graduation. You'll work with your advisor through every step of your education.

All applicants will be required to submit official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended, including prior attendance at any campus of the University of Illinois.

Applications will be reviewed daily, making our admissions process fast and efficient. Once your application is reviewed, you'll be notified by your advisor of any additional documents that are required. Additional documentation may be requested, depending upon your program of interest. Keep in mind that applications received close to the beginning of the intended start term may not be processed in time for you to begin that course. We recommend that your application and all materials be received at least two weeks prior to the intended start of the program. Please see individual programs for start dates.

Once all required documentation is received, you will be notified of the admission decision within 72 hours.