Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Doctoral Programs

Overview 

Two doctoral degree programs are offered by the Department. These include the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and the Doctor of Education degree (EdD).

The PhD and the EdD require a minimum of 72 semester hours of study beyond the masters degree. The exact number of hours and the specific courses to be taken are based on the needs of individual students, taking into account such factors as interests, future aspirations, academic history, and degree of exposure to the study of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Both degree programs typically require approximately three full years of study beyond the masters degree.

Comparison of PhD and EdD Degrees

The PhD 

The PhD is an academic degree that is awarded for high attainment of the study of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Courses of study that lead to the PhD assist students in developing competence in research and they involve in-depth inquiry into topics within, and related to, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.

The PhD program consists of a major in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, an area of concentration, and a research core that includes dissertation research.

The EdD 

The EdD is a professional degree which is awarded for high scholarly achievement and practical competence in advanced educational problems and specialized study in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.

The focus of the degree is the development of intellectual, analytical, and conceptual competencies necessary for effective high level policy development and educational leadership.

The EdD program involves a major in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, a minor in education, and a research core that includes a dissertation.