The sport and leisure studies concentration combines course work, research, and practical experiences to foster innovative leaders in the field.
The MS in Sport and Leisure Studies concentration focuses on the synergies across sport, recreation, and leisure contexts. This program prepares students as professionals capable of providing sport and leisure experiences catering to a wide range of participants to facilitate the development of individuals, groups, and communities. It provides students with a broad understanding of the historical and philosophical underpinnings of sport and leisure, and the use of sport and leisure in intrapersonal, interpersonal, and international development contexts. Flexible capstone options include a traditional research master’s thesis, an applied research project linked to a professional setting, or an internship. Students undertaking this concentration serve the industry and their communities across a wide range of settings and are well-prepared to pursue advanced study through a doctoral program.
The Sport and Leisure studies concentration builds on the foundational courses in management, law, leadership, and research by delving into the history and philosophy of sport and leisure and the role of sport and leisure experience in American society. Students examine the synthesis of park, recreation, sport, and tourism domains and focus on attitudinal, social, and motivational theories to design and implement sport and leisure programs for development outcomes. The program focuses on roles of sport and leisure studies in intrapersonal development as well as international development.
Outdoor Adventure Coordinator
Coach
Sports Commission Executive
Sport Manager
Facility Director
Campus Recreation Manager
Experience Management Consultant
Event Manager
Sport Administrator
Sport & Recreation Tourism Officer
Marketing Executive
Fitness Center Manager
Youth & Community Programmer
MS Core Coursework (18 credits)
Select 5 credits from the following:
Concentration in Sport and Leisure Studies (SPLS) (12 credits)
Select 6 credits from the following:
Additional courses may be selected as electives with advisor approval.
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 19 |
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
Julie Aylsworth
Robert Baker
Laurence Chalip
Craig Esherick
Seungwon Lee
Jacqueline McDowell
Ellen Rodgers
Susan Slocum
Brenda Wiggins
Charles Casserly