Recreation administrators impact and enrich peoples’ lives.
The recreation administration concentration develops and enhances the skills needed to provide meaningful experiences through recreation and sport programs and events, outdoor adventure activities, interactions with the natural environment, and commercial recreation attractions.
Students explore multiple facets of this dynamic and rapidly growing field. Our graduates are prepared to make a real difference—informing policy, promoting economic development, advocating stewardship of natural resources, encouraging inclusive community service and lifelong recreation participation, and working to enhance the quality of life of all individuals, families, and communities at the local, national, and international levels.
The MS in Recreation Administration meets the growing need for professionals and academics and equips students with skills to manage a diverse array of recreational experiences. An integral part of the Recreation Administration curriculum includes opportunities for field experiences in indoor and outdoor settings in the Northern Virginia region, the greater D.C. metro area, and throughout the world. Students put their skills and knowledge to use in one of three capstone experiences designed to meet their career goals: (1) internship, (2) applied research project, or (3) traditional research master’s thesis. George Mason University’s Recreation Administration program serves one of the nation’s most diverse student populations.
• Recreation Center Director
• Theme Park and Attractions Operations
• Fitness Center Director
• Campus Recreation Coordinator
• Event Developer
• Outdoor Adventure Manager
• Park Director
• Natural Resources Manager
• Community Activity Programmer
• Resort Recreation Administrator
• Facility Manager
• Park Ranger (State or National)
MS Core Coursework (18 credits)
Select 5 credits from the following:
Concentration in Recreation Administration (RADM) (12 credits)
Select 6 credits from the following:
Face to face on Mason’s Fairfax campus, usually completed in two to three years.
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: August 18 |
Priority*: November 1
Space Available: January 10 |
Priority*: February 1
Space Available: May 15 |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
- An earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the admissions policy here for information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
- Grade of C or better in the following courses:
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$748.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$948.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$635.50
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$773.50 - $832.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$979.50 - $1,038.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* |
$660.50 - $719.50 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Academic Advisor
Melissa Busillo
Email: mbusillo@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-5261
Fairfax Campus: Krug Hall, Suite 213
To schedule an appointment: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/oOhyMST5VC
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.
Chris Green
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Pierre Rodgers
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Robert Baker
Laurence Chalip
Hung-Ling Liu
Sammie Powers
Ellen Rodgers
Susan Slocum
Brenda Wiggins