University of Texas

What you'll study

This Master’s combines applied management, planning and technical modules to give you the competencies needed to operate and develop parks, recreation and leisure facilities. Teaching typically covers strategic and operational topics alongside field-based learning and a research or project component.

• Facility Planning and Design — principles of site selection, space programming, accessibility and design for safety and user experience.
• Operations and Maintenance — lifecycle asset management, preventive maintenance, grounds and building systems, and contractor oversight.
• Finance, Budgeting and Revenue Management — financial planning for public and private facilities, budgeting, cost recovery and alternative revenue streams.
• Risk Management and Safety — health and safety protocols, liability management, emergency planning and legal considerations for public use spaces.
• Programming and Community Engagement — designing inclusive leisure programmes, stakeholder engagement, volunteer management and outreach.
• Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship — resource-efficient operations, habitat and landscape stewardship, and sustainable infrastructure choices.
• Law, Policy and Governance — regulatory frameworks, land use policy, public sector governance and inter-agency collaboration.
• Research Methods or Applied Project — quantitative and qualitative methods applied to a thesis, capstone project or practicum that addresses a real-world facility challenge.

Study pathways commonly include a thesis option for students aiming for research or doctoral study and a non-thesis route emphasising applied projects and internships. Fieldwork and placements with municipal parks departments, state park systems, university recreation services or private facility operators are integral to the programme.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, landscape architecture, hospitality management, public administration, business or a related discipline. Admissions normally consider overall academic record, relevant professional experience and evidence of interest in facility management.

• Academic transcripts from an accredited institution demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance.
• One or more references, preferably academic or professional supervisors familiar with the applicant’s suitability for graduate study.
• A statement of purpose outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• Relevant professional experience is advantageous for applicants without a directly related undergraduate degree; part-time study or bridging courses may be offered in some cases.
• International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements and supply credential evaluations where required.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of operational and leadership roles across public, private and non-profit sectors. The degree prepares you to manage both the built and service elements of leisure facilities and to lead teams responsible for safe, sustainable and financially viable operations.

• Park manager or superintendent (municipal, state or regional parks)
• Recreation and programme director for community centres, university recreation services or youth organisations
• Facilities manager for sports venues, leisure centres, resorts or convention facilities
• Asset or grounds manager overseeing maintenance and capital renewal programmes
• Risk and compliance officer for recreation providers
• Consultant in planning, operations or sustainability for parks and leisure developments
• Policy or planning roles with government agencies and non-governmental organisations involved in leisure, tourism and natural resource management

Why study at University of Texas

The University of Texas offers access to diverse field environments and professional networks across an extensive state park and urban park system, enabling practical, site-based learning. Faculty and staff often have applied experience in park and recreation practice, and the university maintains relationships with municipal recreation departments, state agencies and private operators to support placements and applied research.

• Strong emphasis on experiential learning through practicum placements, internships and capstone projects.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities with planning, environmental science, public policy and business to broaden management competencies.
• Access to professional development resources, industry partnerships and alumni working in regional and national park and recreation organisations.