FAQs
- What is required for admission to the program?
- How do I apply on-line?
- What score do I need on the GRE and TOEFL for admission?
- How do I find out more about the GRE?
- When do I need to have my application material submitted?
- How do I check on the status of my application?
- Do I have to have a degree in parks, recreation or tourism to apply?
- What graduate degrees are available in your department and what are the requirements for each degree?
- What are the emphasis areas in PRTM?
- Can I start in the spring semester?
- Can I study sport management at Clemson?
- Do I need a Master's degree to enter the Ph.D. program?
- What is the difference between the M.PRTM and the M.S. degree?
- How long will it take to complete my degree?
- How many faculty members are in the department?
- How many graduate students are in the program?
- Does the department provide graduate assistantships?
- Do I have to pay for health insurance?
- Whom can I contact for more information?
- What is the cost of housing in Clemson?
- What is the city of Clemson like?
What is required for admission to the program?
We require the following items:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores on the three parts of the exam. (This requirement is waived for applicants to the M.PRTM program.)
- A University application including applicant's personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts of all academic work
- A departmental supplemental information form click here
Item 5 should be returned to PRTM, 263 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634. All other material should be returned to the Clemson University Office of Graduate Admissions. An on-line application is preferred.
Return to the top
How do I apply on-line?
We prefer that you apply on-line. The application includes detailed instructions which should be followed as you complete the form. The URL link for the application is as follows: https://www.applyweb.com/apply/clemsong/
The Clemson University Graduate School Web page provides supplemental instructions which you may find useful in advance of filling out the online application. These instructions may be found at this URL: http://www.grad.clemson.edu/Admission.php
The departmental supplemental information form should be returned directly to the PRTM Department and is available at here.
What score do I need on the GRE and TOEFL for admission?
Scores of the two objective sections (verbal and quantitative) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for students admitted to the program are expected to be at least 500 for both sections. Any applicant with a V+Q total below that average must be able to submit exceptional supporting materials to have a competitive application (transcript, reference letters, whatever else you may desire). (GRE scores more than five years old relative to the date of initial enrollment will not be accepted.) Because of the strong communication component of the Ph.D., non-native speakers of English should have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper version) or 213 (computer version), 79 (internet based).
How do I find out more about the GRE?
Information about the GRE is available at www.gre.org.
When do I need to have my application material submitted?
We begin our review of applicants, for admission as well as for assistantships, in mid-February. Therefore, we urge you to submit all materials by February 1. Applications received after that date will be considered based on available space in the program and funding availability.
How do I check on the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application online at http://www.grad.clemson.edu/p_applyus.html
Do I have to have a degree in parks, recreation or tourism to apply?
A degree in the parks, recreation or tourism field is not required. In fact, over half of our student comes from other fields, as varied as education, business, biology or physics.
What graduate degrees are available in your department and what are the requirements for each degree?
Three graduate degrees are offered; the Master of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (view requirements at M.PRTM), the Master of Science (view requirements at M.S.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (view the requirements at Ph.D). The M.PRTM is a professional degree designed to increase the depth and breadth of knowledge while developing the student's practical administrative and management skills. The M.S. places greater emphasis on research design and methodology and requires a thesis representing an original contribution to scholarship acceptable to the faculty and Graduate School . The Ph.D. program is based on the student's grasp of recreation subject matter, competency to plan and conduct research, and the ability to effectively and professionally use written and oral communication
What are the emphasis areas in PRTM?
We have four emphasis areas: community recreation management, recreation resource management, therapeutic recreation, and travel and tourism. Many graduate students pursue study in areas that include more than one of these areas. You will find additional information about these areas on our web site: http://www.hehd.clemson.edu/PRTM/
Can I start in the spring semester?
A few students start in the spring semester and that is a possibility. However, more funding is available for the fall semester. In addition, it is our experience that the graduate program is more conducive to a fall semester start.
Can I study sport management at Clemson?
Sport management is not available as an area of study. However, if you are interested in community sport (i.e., running a community's athletic program, working for the YMCA) the community recreation management focus may be right for you.
Do I need a Master's degree to enter the Ph.D. program?
Yes, admission to our Ph.D. program is limited to individual's who already have a master's degree.
What is the difference between the M.PRTM and the M.S. degree?
Admission to the M.PRTM degree is limited to applicants who have at least three years or relevant, full time experience as deemed acceptable by graduate faculty and who intend to enter the PRTM field in any capacity other than education or research. The M.S. degree is for any applicant without the three years of relevant experience or for any student planning to enter the field as a researcher or educator.
How long will it take to complete my degree?
There is no standard answer to this question since individual circumstances vary. However, our expectation is that our master's students finish in two years and our doctoral students in three years.
How many faculty members are in the department?
There are approximately 20 full time faculty members in our department. A description of the faculty and their interests can be found at http://www.hehd.clemson.edu/PRTM/faculty.php
How many graduate students are in the program?
We typically have between 50 and 60 graduate students at any one time. Approximately half are pursuing doctoral degrees and the other half are pursuing master's degrees.
Does the department provide graduate assistantships?
Yes, the department offers several graduate assistantships. Duties include assisting faculty in their teaching or research. In addition, our students work as graduate assistants across campus including the Leisure Skills Program, Fike Recreation Center, the Outdoor Laboratory, the Martin Inn and the athletic department. In addition to the graduate assistantship stipend, all graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver (you pay no tuition, in-state or out-of-state; you do, however, pay about $950 per semester in various fees and a health insurance fee of approximately $300 per academic year).
Do I have to pay for health insurance?
Health insurance is mandatory for all on-campus graduate students. Waivers are available if you have another approved policy. Further information is available at http://www.grad.clemson.edu/HealthInsurance.html
Whom can I contact for more information?
You may contract Dr. Fran McGuire, graduate program coordinator, at 864-656-2183 or GRDPRTM@clemson.edu. If you have questions pertaining to a specific area of study you may wish to contact the area coordinator:
Dr. Denise Anderson (community recreation management) 864-656-5679 dander2@clemson.edu
Dr. Ken Backman (travel and tourism) – 864-656-2204 frank@clemson.edu
Dr. Rob Bixler (recreation resource management) – 864-656-4849 rbixler@clemson.edu
Dr. Judi Voelkl (therapeutic recreation) – 864-656-4205 jvoelkl@clemson.edu
What is the cost of housing in Clemson?
The cost of living in Clemson is low compared to most university towns. For example, a two bedroom apartment or a small house can be rented for between $400 and $600.
What is the city of Clemson like?
Clemson is a vibrant, university community. To find out more, visit http://www.cityofclemson.org/
©Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management. Last updated on January 28, 2008