Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management, Recreation and Leisure Services Concentration, M.S.
Dr. Steve Estes, Program Director
(615) 898-2906
Steven.Estes@mtsu.edu
Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management is for those who are preparing for senior-level positions in leisure and sport professions or those who are preparing for doctoral-level work in the leisure and sport fields. The two year program focuses on parks and recreation; recreational, college, and professional sport; event planning; tourism; and resort or hotel administration.
The goal of the Master's in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Management is to prepare individuals to lead leisure and sport organizations, to support the expansion of the leisure and sport industries, and to conduct research that advances the body of knowledge in these disciplines.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission decisions will be made after reviewing all materials and determining the applicant's capacity, suitability, and preparation for graduate study. Admission decisions are based upon consideration of a number of criteria which are believed to indicate a high potential in the graduate program.
Admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) program in Leisure and Sport Management requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Applicants must have earned at least 18 semester hours at the bachelor's or master's level in courses related to the selected concentration (e.g., foundations of leisure and sport management, management practices, financial management and marketing, program planning). Students lacking an appropriate background may be required to complete prerequisite coursework.
- an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken.
- completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with acceptable scores. Successful applicants typically have scores on the GRE Verbal and Quantitative measures that exceed 146 and 140 respectively with a total score that exceeds 286. The Analytical Writing Assessment score is also considered.
- letters from professors who can address one's ability to do graduate-level work: thinking, writing, and speaking.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Application deadline: Applications for Summer/Fall admission must be complete by April 1, and applications for Spring admission must be complete by November 1. Late applicants who meet the admission criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must
- submit application with appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official scores on the GRE;
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- provide three letters of recommendation from persons (faculty/professors) who can address their academic qualifications to do graduate-level thinking, writing, speaking, and potential for success in graduate study;
- provide a 400-word statement of purpose giving their reasons for applying to the program, their academic interests, and their professional goals.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Leisure and Sport Management with a concentration in Recreation and Leisure Services requires completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours (thesis) or 36 semester hours (professional project or internship).
Candidate must
- complete either the thesis or professional project/internship curriculum as detailed below in the Curriculum section;
- if choosing the thesis option,
- select a thesis committee composed of two members (one of whom must be from the Department of Health and Human Performance);
- successfully complete thesis proposal;
- successfully complete an oral examination relating to the thesis defense.
- if choosing the professional project or internship option, successfully complete a written comprehensive examination prior to the completion of a professional project or internship (may be taken no more than twice).
Curriculum: Leisure and Sport Management, Recreation and Leisure Services Concentration
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.
Thesis Option (36 hours)
All candidates for the M.S. in Leisure and Sport Management with a concentration in Recreation and Leisure Services pursuing the thesis option must complete 36 credit hours in the following course of study:
Core Requirements (21 hours)
HHP 6610 - Research Methods in Health and Human Performance
3credit hours
Location of information, methods of research, methods of collecting data, application of the computer in analyzing data, and preparation and presentation of a research paper.
LSM 6500 - Legal Issues and Risk Management in Sport and Leisure Services
3credit hours
Understanding the legal basis for management actions, concepts of legal liability including torts, contracts, and constitutional law as applied to sport and leisure services organizations. Emphasis on the ability to plan, develop, and implement risk management programs.
LSM 6530 - History and Philosophy of Leisure and Sport
3credit hours
In-depth study of history and philosophy as related to leisure and sport in society. Emphasis on tracing the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the profession and their impact on current research and practice.
MGMT 6600 - Organization Behavior
3credit hours
Behavioral science concepts and research in the management of organizations; theories dealing with interpersonal relationships, motivation systems, group dynamics, communications, and authority related to organizational behavior, control, and structure problems.
HHP 6700 - Data Analysis and Organization for Human Performance
3credit hours
Pertinent skills needed to analyze and organize research data through introduction of concepts, principles, techniques, and activities that lead to the appropriate organization and analysis of research data collected for health and human performance.
HHP 6620 - Foundations of Qualitative Inquiry in Health and Human Performance
3credit hours
Exposes students to the disciplinary and conceptual origins of qualitative inquiry in the social sciences while exploring various methods of data generation and analysis in the field of health and human performance. Students will be exposed to conventional methods of data generation and analysis as well as more recent, unconventional qualitative methods. Provides preparation to consume, critique, and design research projects using some of the tools offered by qualitative inquiry.
MKT 6800 - Marketing Management
3credit hours
An analytical managerial approach to the marketing activities of a business enterprise. Emphasis on problem solving and marketing simulation.
MKT 6880 - Sport and Entertainment Marketing
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MKT 6000 or MKT 6800. Issues pertaining to marketing in the sport and entertainment industries. Focuses on role of sponsorship in a firm's marketing strategy.
LSM 6570 - Issues, Trends, and Research in Leisure and Sport
3credit hours
Identification and analysis. Emphasis on meaningful, outstanding studies and research in the field of leisure and sport..
Concentration Electives (12 hours)
LSM Electives
Choose 6-9 hours from the following list in consultation with the advisor:
LSM 5120 - Community Development through Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3credit hours
Explores and utilizes sustainable practices to assess, develop, implement, and evaluate tourism's potential contribution to, or detraction from, the quality of life for communities through existing systematic approaches utilizing community development and evaluative frameworks. Examines economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and political impacts on community tourism development within the community tourism development context.
LSM 5130 - Sport Tourism
3credit hours
The global sport tourism industry in post-modern society is a complex and interdependent niche sector best understood through an interdisciplinary approach. This course aims to familiarize students with the industry through exploration of sport in global society, sport event planning/execution/evaluation, spectatorship, the economic and political sport tourism landscape, and policy impacting, and impacted by sport tourism
LSM 5340 - Fitness Education for the Adult
3credit hours
(Same as HLTH 5340 and PHED 5340.) Planning, teaching, and participating in individual and group fitness programs for the adult. Administers and interprets assessments of related components with an understanding of physiological principles related to exercise in the adult. Major lifetime wellness activities covered.
LSM 5380 - Disabilities and Diversity in Leisure, Sport and Tourism
3credit hours
Important issues such as advocacy, accessibility, legalities, and the importance of and broad range of opportunities in the provision of recreational services for persons with disability in our society. For LSM majors only.
LSM 5470 - Leisure and Aging
3credit hours
Aging relative to the individual, family, peers, and society with an emphasis on leisure. The holistic approach including physical, psychological, social, cultural, environmental, and cognitive aspects explored. Interdisciplinary approach ideal for the developing or practicing human service professional.
LSM 5480 - Recreational Therapy Techniques
3credit hours
Activity-based therapeutic interventions currently utilized to alleviate existing health-related problems, maintain current level of functioning, or to assist in overall rehabilitation efforts of transdisciplinary treatment team.
LSM 5490 - Campus Recreation
3credit hours
For those wishing to acquire a specific and comprehensive knowledge of the recreational sports program and an understanding of its place and value in education and society.
LSM 5499 - Therapeutic Terminology in Recreational Therapy
3credit hours
Offers preparation for establishing a vital knowledge base necessary to work in today's fast changing rehabilitation settings. Terminology related to third-party reimbursement, accreditation of health care organizations, and basic medical abbreviations used in charting.
LSM 5500 - Introduction to Recreational Therapy
3credit hours
Prerequisite: LSTS 3010. Explores the profession of recreational therapy, the wide range of disabilities, and the role of intervention in a variety of settings: clinical, community, and transitional. Topics include history, philosophy, professional development/certification, systemic program design, and implementation.
LSM 5510 - Recreational Therapy in Clinical Settings
3credit hours
Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 4500. Increases understating of recreational therapy in clinical settings working with persons with health-related issues and/or disabilities. Concepts of disease and disability, holistic approach, interdisciplinary treatment, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, evaluation, documentation, and third-party reimbursement explored.
LSM 5520 - Transitional and Community Recreational Therapy
3credit hours
Issues clients may face when leaving institutions and returning to their communities. Examines the role and provision of recreational therapy services in transitional and community-based settings.
LSM 5540 - Organization and Administration of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3credit hours
Duties and responsibilities of an administrator and how these are performed. For LSM majors only.
LSM 5560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sports, and Tourism
3credit hours
Prerequisite: LSTS 3530. Opportunity for supervised practical application of classroom theory in professional field work.
LSM 5570 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop
3credit hours
Off-campus course that provides materials and experiences not available in the classroom. exposure to issues, trends, and concerns relevant to outdoor recreation, resource management, and the delivery of programs and services in outdoor environments. Public, private non-profits, and commercial agencies experienced through a series of field trips, lectures, group exercises, and other experiential-based activities.
LSM 5580 - Seminar: Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Issues
3credit hours
Awareness of the importance of environmental considerations when planning, managing, or administering outdoor recreation programs. Includes environmental issues and methods of seeking solutions to environmental problems.
LSM 5590 - Readings in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3credit hours
In-depth reading and preparation of an annotated bibliography and report. Arrangements for this course should be made with the instructor prior to registration.
LSM 5660 - Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3credit hours
Research and evaluation procedures and techniques applicable to assessing recreation and leisure service programs, participants, administrative structures, and resources. Emphasis on beginning and completing a "real-world" evaluation project.
LSM 5790 - Sport and Society
3credit hours
(Same as SOC 5790.) A behavioral approach to the sport and leisure phenomena from the related perspectives of sociology and anthropology.
LSM 5965 - Aquatic Exercise and Therapeutic Techniques
3credit hours
(Same as ATHT 5965 and EXSC 5965.) Examines the various uses of the aquatic environment to develop, maintain, and improve physical performance with practical development of skills and techniques and aquatic exercise programming. Combines both didactic and laboratory activities in an experiential learning environment.
LSM 6550 - Outdoor Environmental Education
3credit hours
Camping leadership and outdoor education principles with implications for management, planning of, and interpretation in recreation areas as well as for policy development.
LSM 6570 - Issues, Trends, and Research in Leisure and Sport
3credit hours
Identification and analysis. Emphasis on meaningful, outstanding studies and research in the field of leisure and sport..
LSM 6670 - Behavioral Concepts in Leisure and Sport
3credit hours
Social/psychological concepts concerning leisure and sport participation behavior in various types of leisure and sport settings. Range of different theoretical perspectives and behavioral concepts underlying pertinent research.
LSM 6850 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Leisure and Tourism
3credit hours
In-depth study of the leisure experience in other cultures (non-U.S.) through on-site observation; visits to cultural/historic sites; and interactions with managers and staff at parks, museums, attractions, and world heritage sites.
LSM 6910 - Special Problems
1 to 3credit hours
(Same as EXSC 6910 / HLTH 6910 / PHED 6910.) Individual study of current problems or areas of interest. S/U grading.
REC 5600 - Technology Applications
1credit hours
(Same as HLTH 5451 and PHED 5600.) Prerequisite: Introductory course in computer literacy or equivalent with instructor permission. Corequisite: REC 5601. Focus on understanding of and competency in use of a variety of technology applications related to the profession. Students required to enroll in the corresponding lab during the same semester.
REC 5601 - Technology Applications Lab
2credit hours
(Same as HLTH 5451 and PHED 5601.) Corequisite: REC 5600. Investigation and application of profession-specific software and hardware applications.
PHED 6820 - Administration and Supervision of Physical Education and Sport
3credit hours
The organization, planning, and functions involved in administering and supervising programs of physical education and sport. Clinical or field experience required of students with a sport management concentration.
Non-LSM Electives
- Select 3-9 hours of non-LSM courses in consultation with the advisor.
Thesis Option Requirement (3 hours)
LSM 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6 credit hours
(3 hours minimum requirement(3 hours minimum requirement; no more than 3 hours apply to degree)
dotslash:(3 hours minimum requirement; no more than 3 hours apply to degree)
title:(3 hours minimum requirement
(3 hours minimum requirement; no more than 3 hours apply to degree)
LSM 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
(Same as EXSC 6640/HLTH 6640/PHED 6640.) Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Professional Project or Internship Option (36 hours)
All candidates for the M.S. in Leisure and Sport Management with a concentration in Recreation and Leisure Services pursuing the professional project or internship option must complete 36 credit hours in the following course of study:
Core Requirements (21 hours)
HHP 6610 - Research Methods in Health and Human Performance
3credit hours
Location of information, methods of research, methods of collecting data, application of the computer in analyzing data, and preparation and presentation of a research paper.
LSM 6500 - Legal Issues and Risk Management in Sport and Leisure Services
3credit hours
Understanding the legal basis for management actions, concepts of legal liability including torts, contracts, and constitutional law as applied to sport and leisure services organizations. Emphasis on the ability to plan, develop, and implement risk management programs.
LSM 6530 - History and Philosophy of Leisure and Sport
3credit hours
In-depth study of history and philosophy as related to leisure and sport in society. Emphasis on tracing the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the profession and their impact on current research and practice.
MGMT 6600 - Organization Behavior
3credit hours
Behavioral science concepts and research in the management of organizations; theories dealing with interpersonal relationships, motivation systems, group dynamics, communications, and authority related to organizational behavior, control, and structure problems.
HHP 6700 - Data Analysis and Organization for Human Performance
3credit hours
Pertinent skills needed to analyze and organize research data through introduction of concepts, principles, techniques, and activities that lead to the appropriate organization and analysis of research data collected for health and human performance.
HHP 6620 - Foundations of Qualitative Inquiry in Health and Human Performance
3credit hours
Exposes students to the disciplinary and conceptual origins of qualitative inquiry in the social sciences while exploring various methods of data generation and analysis in the field of health and human performance. Students will be exposed to conventional methods of data generation and analysis as well as more recent, unconventional qualitative methods. Provides preparation to consume, critique, and design research projects using some of the tools offered by qualitative inquiry.
MKT 6800 - Marketing Management
3credit hours
An analytical managerial approach to the marketing activities of a business enterprise. Emphasis on problem solving and marketing simulation.
MKT 6880 - Sport and Entertainment Marketing
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MKT 6000 or MKT 6800. Issues pertaining to marketing in the sport and entertainment industries. Focuses on role of sponsorship in a firm's marketing strategy.
LSM 6570 - Issues, Trends, and Research in Leisure and Sport
3credit hours
Identification and analysis. Emphasis on meaningful, outstanding studies and research in the field of leisure and sport..
Concentration Electives (12 hours)
LSM Electives
Choose 6-9 hours from the following list in consultation with the advisor.
LSM 5120 - Community Development through Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3credit hours
Explores and utilizes sustainable practices to assess, develop, implement, and evaluate tourism's potential contribution to, or detraction from, the quality of life for communities through existing systematic approaches utilizing community development and evaluative frameworks. Examines economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and political impacts on community tourism development within the community tourism development context.
LSM 5130 - Sport Tourism
3credit hours
The global sport tourism industry in post-modern society is a complex and interdependent niche sector best understood through an interdisciplinary approach. This course aims to familiarize students with the industry through exploration of sport in global society, sport event planning/execution/evaluation, spectatorship, the economic and political sport tourism landscape, and policy impacting, and impacted by sport tourism
LSM 5340 - Fitness Education for the Adult
3credit hours
(Same as HLTH 5340 and PHED 5340.) Planning, teaching, and participating in individual and group fitness programs for the adult. Administers and interprets assessments of related components with an understanding of physiological principles related to exercise in the adult. Major lifetime wellness activities covered.
LSM 5380 - Disabilities and Diversity in Leisure, Sport and Tourism
3credit hours
Important issues such as advocacy, accessibility, legalities, and the importance of and broad range of opportunities in the provision of recreational services for persons with disability in our society. For LSM majors only.
LSM 5470 - Leisure and Aging
3credit hours
Aging relative to the individual, family, peers, and society with an emphasis on leisure. The holistic approach including physical, psychological, social, cultural, environmental, and cognitive aspects explored. Interdisciplinary approach ideal for the developing or practicing human service professional.
LSM 5480 - Recreational Therapy Techniques
3credit hours
Activity-based therapeutic interventions currently utilized to alleviate existing health-related problems, maintain current level of functioning, or to assist in overall rehabilitation efforts of transdisciplinary treatment team.
LSM 5490 - Campus Recreation
3credit hours
For those wishing to acquire a specific and comprehensive knowledge of the recreational sports program and an understanding of its place and value in education and society.
LSM 5499 - Therapeutic Terminology in Recreational Therapy
3credit hours
Offers preparation for establishing a vital knowledge base necessary to work in today's fast changing rehabilitation settings. Terminology related to third-party reimbursement, accreditation of health care organizations, and basic medical abbreviations used in charting.
LSM 5500 - Introduction to Recreational Therapy
3credit hours
Prerequisite: LSTS 3010. Explores the profession of recreational therapy, the wide range of disabilities, and the role of intervention in a variety of settings: clinical, community, and transitional. Topics include history, philosophy, professional development/certification, systemic program design, and implementation.
LSM 5510 - Recreational Therapy in Clinical Settings
3credit hours
Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 4500. Increases understating of recreational therapy in clinical settings working with persons with health-related issues and/or disabilities. Concepts of disease and disability, holistic approach, interdisciplinary treatment, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, evaluation, documentation, and third-party reimbursement explored.
LSM 5520 - Transitional and Community Recreational Therapy
3credit hours
Issues clients may face when leaving institutions and returning to their communities. Examines the role and provision of recreational therapy services in transitional and community-based settings.
LSM 5540 - Organization and Administration of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3credit hours
Duties and responsibilities of an administrator and how these are performed. For LSM majors only.
LSM 5560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sports, and Tourism
3credit hours
Prerequisite: LSTS 3530. Opportunity for supervised practical application of classroom theory in professional field work.
LSM 5570 - Outdoor Recreation Workshop
3credit hours
Off-campus course that provides materials and experiences not available in the classroom. exposure to issues, trends, and concerns relevant to outdoor recreation, resource management, and the delivery of programs and services in outdoor environments. Public, private non-profits, and commercial agencies experienced through a series of field trips, lectures, group exercises, and other experiential-based activities.
LSM 5580 - Seminar: Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Issues
3credit hours
Awareness of the importance of environmental considerations when planning, managing, or administering outdoor recreation programs. Includes environmental issues and methods of seeking solutions to environmental problems.
LSM 5590 - Readings in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3credit hours
In-depth reading and preparation of an annotated bibliography and report. Arrangements for this course should be made with the instructor prior to registration.
LSM 5660 - Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3credit hours
Research and evaluation procedures and techniques applicable to assessing recreation and leisure service programs, participants, administrative structures, and resources. Emphasis on beginning and completing a "real-world" evaluation project.
LSM 5965 - Aquatic Exercise and Therapeutic Techniques
3credit hours
(Same as ATHT 5965 and EXSC 5965.) Examines the various uses of the aquatic environment to develop, maintain, and improve physical performance with practical development of skills and techniques and aquatic exercise programming. Combines both didactic and laboratory activities in an experiential learning environment.
LSM 6550 - Outdoor Environmental Education
3credit hours
Camping leadership and outdoor education principles with implications for management, planning of, and interpretation in recreation areas as well as for policy development.
LSM 6570 - Issues, Trends, and Research in Leisure and Sport
3credit hours
Identification and analysis. Emphasis on meaningful, outstanding studies and research in the field of leisure and sport..
LSM 6670 - Behavioral Concepts in Leisure and Sport
3credit hours
Social/psychological concepts concerning leisure and sport participation behavior in various types of leisure and sport settings. Range of different theoretical perspectives and behavioral concepts underlying pertinent research.
LSM 6850 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Leisure and Tourism
3credit hours
In-depth study of the leisure experience in other cultures (non-U.S.) through on-site observation; visits to cultural/historic sites; and interactions with managers and staff at parks, museums, attractions, and world heritage sites.
LSM 6910 - Special Problems
1 to 3credit hours
(Same as EXSC 6910 / HLTH 6910 / PHED 6910.) Individual study of current problems or areas of interest. S/U grading.
PHED 6820 - Administration and Supervision of Physical Education and Sport
3credit hours
The organization, planning, and functions involved in administering and supervising programs of physical education and sport. Clinical or field experience required of students with a sport management concentration.
REC 5600 - Technology Applications
1credit hours
(Same as HLTH 5451 and PHED 5600.) Prerequisite: Introductory course in computer literacy or equivalent with instructor permission. Corequisite: REC 5601. Focus on understanding of and competency in use of a variety of technology applications related to the profession. Students required to enroll in the corresponding lab during the same semester.
REC 5601 - Technology Applications Lab
2credit hours
(Same as HLTH 5451 and PHED 5601.) Corequisite: REC 5600. Investigation and application of profession-specific software and hardware applications.
Non-LSM Electives
- Select 3-9 hours of non-LSM courses in consultation with the advisor.
Professional Project/Internship Requirement (3 hours)
LSM 6880 - Internship/Special Project
3 to 6 credit hours
3 hours minimum requirement(3 hours minimum requirement; no more than 3 hours apply to degree.)
dotslash:(3 hours minimum requirement; no more than 3 hours apply to degree.)
title:3 hours minimum requirement
(3 hours minimum requirement; no more than 3 hours apply to degree.)
LSM 6880 - Internship/Special Project
3 to 6credit hours
(Same as EXSC 6880 / HLTH 6880 / PHED 6880.) On-site practical experience in an exercise science, health promotion, or leisure/sport industry program. Those with extensive work experience will develop, implement, and conclude a project (research or applied) in consultation with the major professor.
Program Notes
HHP 6610 and HHP 6700 or HHP 6620 must be taken with the first year of study.
Students are strongly encouraged to take the non-LSM courses outside the department.
