Academic Programs - Recreation and Leisure Studies
Admissions
Interested applicants should read information at the Graduate School Admission website, including a 7-page booklet that provides an overview of the application process. Also, visit the Student section of the CHDS website to learn more about HOW TO APPLY to the Graduate School.
Admission to the masters and doctoral programs in Recreation and Leisure Studies is competitive based on an applicant’s prior academic record, scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and recommendations from professors and supervisors who can evaluate an applicant’s potential for success in the graduate program and in the field. Importance is placed upon written personal statements in which applicants explain why they desire a graduate degree from our department. Applicants are encouraged to visit campus and meet with faculty.
Standards for admission of students applying to the graduate program are listed below. An application is evaluated in its entirety; students with scores slightly lower than shown might receive consideration if other aspects of their files are strong.
- An overall GPA of 2.6 on undergraduate coursework (based on a scale of 4.0)
- A GPA of 3.0 on previous graduate coursework
- For Masters Applicants: A combined score of 850 on the GRE (verbal plus quantitative) with a minimum of 400 in verbal and 400 in quantitative
- For Doctoral Applicants: A combined score of 1000 on the GRE (verbal plus quantitative) with a minimum of 450 in verbal and 450 in quantitative
Students whose native language is not English must submit a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with strong scores in both written and oral comprehension.
Admissions Steps and Deadlines
Application to the RLS graduate program entails two steps:
- Apply for admission into the University of Georgia Graduate School as outlined on their website for Graduate School Admission.
- Send supporting documents directly to the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies as outlined on the link to RLST Graduate Application
Once you apply to the Graduate School and pay the application fee, you will be given a PIN to monitor your file online. This allows you to see if required materials have been received. Note that some materials such as the GRE scores and transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate School while other materials such as your resume and personal statement are sent to the Department. If you need additional application materials, contact the Department secretary at (706) 542-5064 or send an email to chds@uga.edu.
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies reviews applications once all materials have been received. Students should ensure that their files are complete at least one month before the Graduate School deadlines for admission for any given semester, to allow time for review. Students who desire to be considered for an assistantship are encouraged to apply early; competitive University-wide assistantships are allocated in February and Departmental assistantships are often assigned in March and April for the following year.
The Department admits students at the beginning of Fall semester. If necessary, students who have been accepted can postpone the date to start graduate coursework provided they notify the Department and the Graduate School prior to the beginning of the term for which they were admitted.
Applying to the RLST Graduate Program
The initial application is made online to the UGA Graduate School; additional supportive materials are sent to the Department as noted below. Mail Department materials to:
Attn: Nikki Williams
Graduate Program
Counseling and Human Development Services
402 Aderhold Hall
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-7142
1. Apply to the UGA Graduate School: Read about the Graduate School admissions process and complete all steps described at Graduate School Admission. You must apply online and submit an application fee to the Graduate School before the department can review your file.
2. Department Admissions Form and Assistantship Application: Complete the Departmental admissions form below. Assistantships are competitive and students cannot be awarded an assistantship until granted full admission to a degree program at the University. Print and mail the completed forms to the address above.
Departmental Application (.pdf)
Recommendation Letter (.pdf)
3. Resume: Submit a current resume that includes the following information:
- Name
- Address (current and permanent)
- Phone, email address
- Education (include all colleges and universities attended, dates, major, and degrees earned)
- Work experience (include names of organizations, city/state, job title, duties)
- Volunteer or related experiences
- Awards and distinctions
- Certifications or licenses
- Professional publications and presentations
- Recreation and leisure interests
4. Statement of Interest: Applicants must submit a 2-4 page statement that describes their interest in a graduate degree from our Department. This statement is very important and often determines admission into our graduate program. Use the following guidelines to compose your statement:
- Introduce yourself. Mention your past degrees and work experience.
- Explain your interest in this field. Why do you want a degree in recreation and leisure studies?
- Discuss your career goals.
- Doctoral applicants must also discuss the aspects of our program that they find attractive and how their research interests match with the faculty in our department
5. Other Supporting Material: Applicants are encouraged to submit other supporting material that will help us evaluate their writing ability or professional commitment. This might include a copy of a published article, an exceptionally strong paper, news articles featuring the applicant, or similar material.
6. Interview: Applicants are encouraged to visit campus; please telephone or email ahead of time so we can schedule an appointment to meet with you. Directions and information about campus can be found on the page with Contact Information. Students who cannot visit campus may be asked for a telephone interview.
