Degree Programs

The department offers opportunities for graduate study through the MA, MS, PhD, and graduate certificate programs listed below.

The MS may be obtained through either a Plan A (research thesis) or Plan B (nonthesis) program.  The Plan A option requires a thesis based on original research conducted by the student. The Plan B option is available for students interested in professional careers who do not desire research training. The PhD degree is intended for students seeking a research or academic career. Comprehensive exams (both oral and written) are required in the doctoral program.

The Plan A option for a master’s degree require preparation of a thesis. From 6-15 semester credits of thesis research are required. The semesters during which a student registers for thesis credit should correspond as closely as possible to the semesters in which the thesis work is done and faculty supervision is provided. The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or a creative work of art. At least 2 credits of thesis research are required, but no more than 3 credits of thesis credit can be included on the Program of Study.

With committee approval, graduate credit may be transferred from accredited graduate schools, provided the minimum residency requirement (including thesis and dissertation credit) at USU is met. Transfer credit, which must not have been used for any other degree, will be shown on official USU transcripts at completion of the degree.

For the PhD degree, there is a more variable amount of required coursework, as well as a research dissertation. Compared to the MA and MS degree, the PhD degree has a greater emphasis on theory, research methods, writing research proposals, and publishing research in peer-reviewed outlets.

Recreation Resource Management MS/PhD

Recreation Resource Management is for graduate students interested in planning and management of visitor use in wildland recreation settings, such as state and national parks, forests, monuments, and wilderness areas, requiring an understanding of the landscape, its natural resources, and the people who visit. The degree program offers courses in both the bio-physical and social sciences, along with an emphasis on communication and collaboration skills. Opportunities are available to work as recreation planners and managers; park, forest, monument, or wilderness rangers; environmental interpreters; visitor center directors; and other similar occupations. Graduate study provides additional opportunities for research and teaching in higher education, as well as work in the government, nongovernment, and private sectors.