<p>Anyone here completed a Master's in this field? I'm still in undergrad, starting my 4th year this fall but have two years left (yay, 5 years! :/ ) and while searching for internships for next summer, came across several job postings for Recreation Directors in various cities that want to see a Masters in Recreation Management and/or Masters in Public Administration. Most want to MRM. Obviously Director is a long ways down the road for me and I plan on doing lower level work for a while (assistant, manager, etc.), but trying to think ahead here.</p>
<p>Finish undergrad, work for a couple years, do the Masters?
Finish undergrad, do the Masters? (I'll have three internships in recreation completed, and 4 years experience working in a campus rec setting, and 4 years experience working in collegiate athletics) </p>
<p>I'm pretty new to the idea of grad school, but want to get a feel for the process and all that goes with it. And while I'm at it...any recommendations for schools? :)</p>
<p>FW(Little)IW, I don’t know that this field is “worth” getting an MA in. I’m from an area with tons of ski resorts, national parks, etc., and there’s a ton of unemployed/underemployed rec management people around (mostly BA level). My dad almost had a degree in rec management, but (wisely, imo) switched to engineering–it added about 10 years to his degree plan, though. My dad enjoys being an engineer but still dreams of working in rec management when he’s able to retire–ski lift operator in the winter and camp ground host in the summer. In general, it’s at all not well-paid or particularly in-demand field from what I’ve seen and heard. YMMV, of course.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input, psych_. That’s kinda what I was looking for–is the MRM worth it, and if so, when. Anyone else have opinions/know people in the field who have/n’t pursued the either of the two Masters programs I mentioned?</p>
<p>I’m not in it for money, and can live pretty cheaply. I’m willing to live just about anywhere, even overseas if something called for it. One option I’m considering is a career with the military recreation programs, otherwise something in a city rec/sports program. Nothing flashy or extravagant, just being around what I love :)</p>