Indiana University's Department of Recreation and Park Administration is the oldest continuous recreation and leisure studies program in the country, having been founded in 1946, as part of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. The Department is one of the largest in the country, as well, with 24 faculty members, seven lecturers, and 25 graduate assistants. There are over 100 graduate students enrolled in the Department, with at least 25 in doctoral programs. The Department works very closely with local, state, and national agencies in cooperative research, education, and internship opportunities. The goal of our graduate program is to prepare students to enter careers as scholars, high level practitioners, teachers, and researchers. As such, a strong emphasis is placed on academic achievement, coupled with opportunities for professional development through practical application. There are four areas in which Master of Science candidates can focus their studies:

Park and Recreation Management -- Providing management and supervisory services for park and recreation programs, facilities, and services at the local, state and federal levels. This option is for students interested in public agencies, private/commercial agencies, college unions, tourism, or general administration/management.
Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management -- Developing and implementing experiences that promote meaningful and healthy relationships between people and the outdoors, and the management of outdoor resources for the benefit of the environment and people. This option is for students interested in outdoor recreation management, resource management, camping administration, or outdoor/environmental education.
Therapeutic Recreation -- Providing interventions that promote the health and well-being of people with disabilities. This option is for students interested in working with disabled persons in either clinical or non-clinical settings.
Sport Management -- Managing, supervising, and planning recreational sports programs and services in the public, private, non-profit, academic, and professional settings. This option is for students with career objectives in sports administration.

Two doctoral programs and a directorate program are also available through the Department of Recreation and Park Administration: Recreation Directorate (Re.Dir.) -- an intermediate degree between the masters degree and doctorate provides students professional preparation for supervisory, administrative, or master teaching positions in the field of recreation. Doctor of Recreation (Re.D.) -- for those students interested in positions in higher education or high level administration. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) -- for those students interested in conducting independent research and teaching at the university level.