Graduate Program

The Master of Science in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism provides an in-depth understanding of the fast-paced, increasingly difficult challenges in the world of hospitality and recreation. The program prepares students for management positions in the fields of hospitality, tourism, recreation, and recreation therapy.

Why Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism at CSU East Bay?

  • Courses are completed online to allow students to work full-time while in the program.
  • The program is designed for those already working in the field or those with industry experience who want to make a career change.
  • Students develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations of the field and learn to apply theory to practice.
  • Courses focus on developing leadership, communication, data-driven decision-making, and critical thinking skills through immersion in industry relevant curriculum.
  • Passionate faculty, with education and experience in the field, are student-centered and committed to student learning and success.
  • Graduates enjoy opportunities for career advancement, contribute to the quality of life of participants, interact with various cultures, and increase the positive impact of the hospitality, tourism, recreation, and recreation therapy fields
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Program Student Learning Outcomes - M.S. in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

Students who graduate with an M.S. in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism from CSUEB will be able to:

  1. Apply evidence-based research to generate effective, sustainable solutions related to management of personnel, facilities, operations, marketing and finance in hospitality, recreation and tourism. (Thinking/Reasoning and Sustainability)
  2. Assess exemplary and innovative management, leadership and teamwork strategies for hospitality, recreation and tourism organizations. (Collaboration)
  3. Articulate clearly, in both written and oral formats, the foundations of the hospitality, recreation and tourism professions in terms of theory, philosophy, administrative functions and current management practices. (Specialized Education and Communication)
  4. Develop a systems approach to create and sustain a culture of dignity and respect among individuals, communities, organizations and hospitality, recreation and tourism industries. (Diversity)

Program Features

The M.S. in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism was designed for working adults with previous degrees and/or work experience in hospitality, recreation, recreation therapy, or tourism. The graduate courses are offered completely online. Our student-centered faculty are dedicated to helping you become more knowledgeable and prepared to realize your dreams. You will be engaged in class through a series of interactive asynchronous discussions, assignments, readings, and projects.

Although you are not required to attend class on a specific day or time, there are ongoing deadlines that must be met for you to succeed. The online environment requires dedication, good organizational skills, ability to work independently, and willingness to ask questions if you need help. 

Curriculum

The program is designed to provide a strong intellectual core, and to allow specialization through research and projects. The graduate program is 30 semester units, 10 courses of 3 units each. Each class is offered once a year, either in the Fall or Spring semester. Courses are 7 weeks in length (plus 1 week of finals). One or two 7-week courses are offered the first half of the Fall and Spring semesters, and another course is offered the second half of each semester.

Taking 2-3 classes per semester allows a student to progress through the 10 classes in 4 semesters (2 years).   It will take longer to complete the program for students who elect to take fewer classes per term to accommodate work schedules and other obligations. The degree must be completed within 5 years with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a grade of “B” or better in each class. The University Writing Skills Requirement must be completed prior to graduation.

Road map for students who want to complete the program in 2 years

Fall (1st year)

REC 600 Foundations of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

REC 610 Strategic Leadership and Ethics in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

Spring (1st year)

REC 620 – Organizational Development in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

REC 630 – Advanced Data Based Decision Making in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

Fall (2nd year)

REC 640 – Law and Risk in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

REC 650 – Fiscal Management in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

REC 680 – Trends and Issues in HRT

Spring (2nd year)

REC 660 – Sustainable Solutions in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

REC 670 – Advanced Marketing in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

REC 693 – Applied Research Project Findings and Conclusions

Class Order

  1. Start with REC 600 if possible, the Foundations class.
  2. The three research classes must be taken in order (REC 630, 680 and 693).
  3. Ideally, REC 693 should be the last class taken.
  4. Other than these four classes (REC 600, 630, 680 and 693), there is no specific order of classes.

Cost of Attendance

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University Graduate Admission Requirements:

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University Graduate Admission, Enrollment and Fees

Applicants are required to submit a University Application using Cal State Apply and must submit official transcripts for all previous academic study at institutions of higher education to the Office of Admissions. Transcripts do not need to be sent to the department.

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Application Deadlines:

Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring semesters. Click Here!

Departmental Prerequisites and Criteria for Admission:

  • A completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. It is expected that most students applying for this program will have a B.S. in Hospitality, Recreation, Recreation Therapy or Tourism.
  • If your undergraduate degree is not in one of the fields listed above, you may need some foundational courses. This will be determined when your transcript and work experience are evaluated by a Graduate Advisor, Graduate Coordinator or the Department Chair.
  • A GPA of 2.75 in last 60 units of course work is required.
  • A minimum of 2 years of work experience in one of the HRT fields listed above.
  • This is fully online program. International students should contact the Office of International Admissions to find out more about residency requirements. International students must submit an acceptable TOEFL minimum score of 550 or above (237 on the Computer-Based TOEFL), or post an official transcript showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university where English is the principal language of instruction, or provide an official letter from the college or university certifying that English is the language of instruction.

Departmental Application Procedure: 1. Complete the University application (apply here!)
2. Send official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to the Office of Admissions
3. Email the following required department application documents to hrt-graduate@csueastbay.edu):
  • A 2 to 5-page personal statement explaining the reasons for pursuing the M.S. in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism, your professional goals, and demonstrating your industry knowledge through discussion of changes needed in the profession (leadership, strategic planning, and equity). Make a strong connection between your academic background, work experience in one or more HRT industries, and how that knowledge will contribute to your success in this graduate program.
  • An up-to-date resume detailing professional and academic achievements that includes dates of employment, titles, organization names and responsibilities.
  • Three current letters of recommendation on the form provided, completed by supervisors or teachers who know you well professionally and can provide detailed information about academic potential and skills (leadership, research, analysis, and communication).

For more information, email hrt-graduate@csueastbay.edu