PRTM Online Masters degree from NC State University provides students with professional & business e The courses are matched with the needs of industry.
The online master's degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sports Management at NCSU provides students with a solid professional and business education designed to advance their career development in parks, recreation, tourism, and sport industries. The faculty are national and international leaders in their fields who are dedicated to providing students with the skills they will need to lead an
d to gain a competitive advantage in their chosen field. Students can continue to work full-time while taking one course at a time and still complete all degree requirements in two years. The flexible learning environment accommodates the demands of full-time employment. The contemporary instructional methods emphasize group discussions, frequent interactions with faculty and meaningful assignments which provide valuable skills and knowledge critical for career advancement. Successful Graduates Demonstrate:
an in-depth knowledge of the conceptual foundations of recreation, parks, tourism, and sport; an in-depth knowledge of the impacts of recreation, parks, tourism, and sport on active-healthy lifestyles and sustainable communities, and their connection to contemporary societal issues; a foundation in advanced principles and procedures of management and ethical leadership (e.g., administration, marketing, human resources, risk management, finance and budgeting) for the delivery of recreation, parks, tourism, and sport services; and the ability to apply basic principles of research and evaluation related to recreation, parks, tourism, and sport services. Master’s Program Features:
-31 Credit Hours to Graduate
-Accelerated Course Format delivered through a variety of online technologies that facilitate student-to-student and student-to-instructor interactions. Students take one course at a time for 7 weeks (2 courses per 15 week semester).
-No GRE is Required for applicants with a minimum of two years full-time professional work experience. Applicants with less than two years work experience will be required to take either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) to be considered for admission into the program.
-Students Admitted as a Cohort in the fall semester of each year. Admitted students will attend an on-campus orientation at the beginning of their first semester (mid August) and a mid-degree check-up and workshop at the beginning of their second year (mid August).
-Emphasis on Key Management Functions indicative of parks, recreation, tourism and sport industries ensure students graduate with a mastery of advanced principles and procedures of management and ethical leadership (e.g., administration, marketing, organizational behavior, risk management, finance and budgeting) for the delivery of recreation, parks, tourism, and sport services.
05/11/2026
🎓 Congrats to our Spring 2026 PRTSM Online grads: Deanna, Sarah, Shiel, Harrison, Sofia, Marcus, Joel, Paige, Todd, Jake, Jay, and John! 🎉
Earning your master’s while balancing work, life, and everything else is huge accomplishment. We’re so proud of you and thankful to be a part of your journey.
We are excited to see how you continue to grow and lead in the field. Congratulations on this well-earned milestone. 👏 Go Pack! 🐺 ❤️ 🎓
04/29/2026
Looking to connect with parks and recreation professionals across North Carolina this spring? The NCRPA Exchange is coming up on May 19 in Raleigh, offering a great opportunity to network, explore new ideas, and connect with vendors and practitioners across the field.
This one-day event is a great fit for PRTSM Online Masters Degree at NC State University students and alumni looking to stay engaged in the profession, expand their network, and bring back new ideas to their organizations. If you’re local—or able to make the trip—this is a valuable opportunity to continue building your professional network.
NC Recreation & Park Association - Powered by AMO
Discover fresh ideas, trusted partners, and practical solutions at the newly announced NCRPA Exchange. This one-day experience is designed for professionals who plan, support, and deliver programs, events, and services that bring communities together.
04/28/2026
The end of the school year is close! Make sure to check out the latest (and last!) GSA newsletter for the 2026 Spring semester. Big thank you to our Graduate Student Association for all of their work over the last year, organizing social and academic events for all of our Grad students in the PRTM Department. And don't forget to read the MRTSPM Student Highlight featuring Kami Beardsley to learn more about your cohort member.
04/24/2026
Looking for a summer elective course to round out your credits? ☀️ 📓
Consider: LAR 582 (601) Introduction to Environment and Behavior for Designers
From NC State's Landscape Architecture Department, Introduction to Environment & Behavior for Designers (LAR 221 / LAR 582) dives into:
✔️ How people interact with spaces and communities
✔️ The relationship between design, behavior, and well-being
✔️ Ecologically sound and human-centered design approaches
Offered online, this course is a great option if you're interested in the intersection of recreation, tourism, community spaces, and the built environment.
Whether you're thinking about parks, tourism destinations, or community development—this is a chance to expand how you think about the spaces people experience every day.
04/21/2026
No time for a long workshop? No problem. 💼 NC State University Graduate School Professional Development unit just launched a microlearning platform with modules under 10 minutes. Earn digital badges and build career-ready skills on your schedule.
Professional Development on the Go
NC State Graduate School launches professional development micolearning platform to help build career ready graduates.
04/15/2026
☀️ Looking for a unique vacation this summer? PRTSM Online alum PJ Ray ('20) and her husband have been busy building something special in Kinston, North Carolina. Their glamping destination, Glamptopia by Marsh Mountain, offers a one-of-a-kind getaway that blends outdoor adventure with comfortable, luxury camping.
Since graduating from NC State’s online Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management program, PJ has expanded their work in tourism and hospitality throughout Kinston. In addition to Glamptopia, their growing list of local businesses includes 222 Chophouse, Tundratown, Ciudad de Tundra, and Beach Bound Bagels—all helping create more experiences for visitors while contributing to the revitalization of downtown Kinston.
If you’re planning a summer trip and want to try something a little different, check out Glamptopia and explore what PJ and her team have built.
Reminder! Our PRTSM Online Master’s Virtual Information Session is happening this week. If you know someone who might be interested in earning a graduate degree while continuing to work, please consider sharing this opportunity with them.
Thanks for helping us connect with future PRTSM students!
03/27/2026
Did you catch this month's Graduate Student Association newsletter? Make sure to check the Student Highlight section featuring GSA co-president Kayla Gilligan. Thanks to Kayla and all the GSA officers for the great work they do for our PRTM community!
Have news to share for a future newsletter? Please reach out to Communications Chair Maeghan Luttrell ([email protected]).
03/24/2026
❄️ What does climate change mean for the future of winter sports? New research featured by NC State — led by Dr. Jonathan Casper in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management — examines how rising temperatures and inconsistent snowfall are reshaping winter sport participation, season reliability, and long-term sustainability.
For sport organizations, destination managers, and industry leaders, these environmental shifts have real implications for operations, financial planning, infrastructure investment, and risk management.
🎤🐺 PRTSM alumni making an impact — and staying connected to the Wolfpack community. 🎤🐺
PRTSM alum Michael Smith (Class of 2014) recently returned to NC State to deliver a lecture for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at NC State University at the Jane S. McKimmon Center. Michael presented “History of the Atlantic Coast Conference,” sharing insights on the development and impact of one of college sport’s most influential conferences.
Michael currently serves as Student Conduct Coordinator at Francis Marion University, and we’re always proud to see PRTSM alumni sharing their expertise and giving back to the NC State community. 🐺 Go Pack! 🐺
03/17/2026
Know someone who might benefit from earning a graduate degree in parks, recreation, tourism, or sport management? Please share this opportunity with colleagues, coworkers, or friends who may be interested!
We’re hosting a Virtual Information Session for the PRTSM Online Master’s Program at NC State University, and we’d love your help spreading the word.
📅 Thursday, April 9
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM ET
📍 Zoom
Prospective students will learn about:
• How the program works
• What online courses are like
• Program structure and timeline
• Admissions and application requirements
• Live Q&A