Overview

While pursuing your Ph.D. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management at Pennsylvania State University, you’ll have access to a variety of unique collaborative research, theory, and practice opportunities related to leisure and recreation experienced at the individual, societal, and cross-cultural levels, with concentrated studies in:

Park and Protected Area Management
Experiential Education
Sport Participation
Travel and Tourism
Community Recreation, Health and Well-Being
Environmental Education

These include disciplinary areas, such as the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of leisure and recreation; and applied areas, including recreation management, tourism, and outdoor resource-based recreation.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree requirements — including a research-based thesis — you will be thoroughly prepared to take on research, academic, and upper-level administrative positions in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Tourism Behavior: An interdisciplinary Approach
Behavioral Patterns of the Outdoor Recreationist
Social Psychology of Leisure
Leisure Studies, Surveys, and Appraisals
Collection and Analysis of Qualitative Data
Scholarly Development in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
Public and Private Recreation Lands and Waters

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 96 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

University Park, United States

Disciplines

Tourism & Leisure View 14 other PhDs in Tourism & Leisure in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

For admission to the graduate program, an applicant must hold either (1) a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or (2) a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.
Applicants from majors other than recreation and parks are welcome to apply; however, additional course work is required. Students with a 3.00 junior/senior average (on a 4.00 scale) and with appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Pennsylvania State University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

44996 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 44996 USD per year during 96 months.
National

44996 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 44996 USD per year during 96 months.
In-State

25456 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 25456 USD per year during 96 months.

Living costs for University Park

1000 - 1500 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Recreation, Park and Tourism Management.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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