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2024-2025 Cal State East Bay Catalog

Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism, M.S. (Online)


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Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism, M.S. Program

Program Description

In our diverse world, managing organizations has become more complex. A master’s degree provides an in-depth understanding of the fast-paced, increasingly difficult challenges in the world of hospitality, recreation, and tourism (HRT). Through exploring current literature, theories, data-driven decision making strategies, leadership, management, sustainability, marketing, trends, and industry best practices, our graduates will be prepared to make informed decisions about industry issues.

This innovative program is offered completely online. Using interactive learning activities, courses are designed to challenge and inspire intellectual growth. Because the courses are all online, students can attend class when they are ready to learn rather than at a specific time, such as in the evening after a full day of work.

The courses are offered Executive Style, with a total of 10 courses that are each 3-units and 7 weeks in length (plus 1 week of finals). Students who take 2-3 courses each semester complete the program 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 program is not self-paced; discussions happen asynchronously and students complete weekly assignments. This learning method is different in that students are not only receivers of knowledge but are more actively engaged in their own learning. Students will be asked not only to absorb facts and theories but to discover and create knowledge that is useful in the real world.

Prerequisites and Criteria for Admission

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. It is expected that most students applying for this program will have a B.S. in Hospitality, Recreation or Tourism.
    • If your undergraduate degree is not in Hospitality, Recreation or Tourism, you may need some foundational courses. The courses will be determined when a graduate adviser or the department chair evaluates the completed University application, transcripts, and the department application materials.
  • GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 units of coursework is required.
  • Two years of work experience in hospitality, recreation, recreation therapy, and/or tourism.
  • Acceptable TOEFL minimum score of 550 for International Students, or a score above 237 on the Computer-Based TOEFL, 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 an official letter from the college or university certifying that English is the language of instruction.

 

 

Step One: Applicants submit a University Graduate Application online through Cal State Apply, and request official transcripts be sent to the Office of Admissions from all institutions of higher education attended.

Step Two: Applicants submit the following department application materials to hrt-graduate@csueastbay.edu:

  • A two to five-page personal statement covering each of the evaluation criteria.
  • Three current recommendation forms completed by immediate supervisors and instructors. 
  • Current resume detailing professional and academic achievements.

Step Three: Interview held by Zoom with the applicant and members of the Graduate Program Committee. 

Evaluation Criteria

  • Previous work experience in hospitality, recreation and/or tourism.
  • GPA in previous academic study.
  • Related undergraduate degree.
  • Concise, clear, well-written personal statement that details the reasons for pursuing the degree and makes a strong connection between professional goals of the student, previous academic study, job experience, and this program. Potential benefits of the degree should be discussed. The statement should clearly demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge of one HRT industry (needed changes in the profession; leadership, strategic planning, and equity).
  • Information from three current references related to knowledge of the profession, professional work experience, and academic potential.
  • In the required Zoom interview with the HRT Graduate Program Committee, candidates will be asked for clarification about their application and qualifications. The interview will be scheduled on a day and time convenient for everyone and will last approximately 30 minutes.

Advancement to Candidacy

Categories of student status reflect student progress toward the degree: “Conditionally Classified Graduate” and “Advancement to Candidacy”.

  1. Students achieve “Conditionally Classified Graduate” status when they have been admitted to the M.S. degree in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism program.
  2. Students are Advanced to Candidacy when they have completed the required courses with a 3.0 or better GPA.

Note: Students who fail to maintain progress by falling below a 3.0 GPA in program graduate courses for two or more consecutive semesters will be academically disqualified from the university. All graduate degree requirements must be completed within 5 years.

Granting the Degree

Upon satisfaction of all requirements for the degree, the department will recommend that the candidate be granted the M.S. in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism. Students must file for graduation by the second week of the semester prior to the semester in which they expect to graduate.

Career Possibilities

Recreation Program Manager • Youth Sports Manager • Event Manager • Meetings and Conference Manager • Aquatics Manager • Senior Center Manager • Resort Manager • Retirement Community Program Director • Camp Director • Preschool Director • After-school Program Director • Country Club Director • Campus Recreation Director.

Features

Our student-centered department designed this master’s degree for working adults. All courses are offered completely online. Students from many different geographical areas can enroll in the program. Our friendly, accessible faculty will advise you about success strategies to meet all program requirements. Faculty members have industry experience and will provide learning opportunities that enhance your knowledge and potential for future advancement. We are dedicated to helping you realize your dreams.

Program Learning Outcomes

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.
  2. Assess exemplary and innovative management, leadership and teamwork strategies for hospitality, recreation and tourism organizations.
  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.
  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.

Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism Degree Requirements (30 units)

Required Courses

The following 27 units are required:

Capstone Requirements

Complete the following course for 3 units. Contact your program advisor for scheduling direction.

Other Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the University requirements for graduation as described throughout this catalog. These include the 70% unit residence requirement; the five-year rule on currency of subject matter; the minimum number of units in 600-level courses; the “C” minimum grade for each graduate course; and the 3.00 cumulative grade point average.

Department Courses Listed by Course Type

Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Courses

Department of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism

Go to information for this department.

Courses

Hospitality and Tourism

Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism: Graduate

Recreation

 

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