Graduate Program - Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions about the PRRM program.

QUESTION: What is the actual Frostburg State University degree that I earn from this program?

Students earn an Master's of Science (MS) degree in Park and Recreation Resource Management

QUESTION: What is a cohort?

A cohort is a group of students who enter the program together and complete the program as a group. Many students prefer this approach because of the collegiality that develops among the students.

QUESTION: Why is there an entrance requirement of three years of experience?

There are several reasons why there is a three year entrance requirement for the program. First, students have programming experience and are ready to make the next step into an administrative position. Second, students have made a commitment to the profession through their work experiences. Third, it significantly affects the teaching style. Students have experience to contribute to others in the program. This includes students who enter the program with an experience basis from outside the discipline.

QUESTION: I have an undergraduate degree in recreation. Is the master's program more of the same or is it something that is really different?

The master's program in PRRM has a very different focus from the typical undergraduate program. The undergraduate program is designed to prepare students to enter the discipline as recreation programmers. Hence, the focus of the undergraduate program is primarily on leadership and programming skills. In contrast, the master's program is designed to prepare students for the next step in their careers or to prepare them for administrative positions in recreation and park agencies. For this reason, you will note the absence of any program planning classes in the master's program. Hence, the focus and the content of the program is very different from that of an undergraduate program.

QUESTION: Why do I need this program?

Generally, students who take the PRRM program indicate two reasons for enrolling in the program. First, they want to advance themselves to the next step in their careers and they want to learn the administrative skills that they will need to do this. Second, people who want to enter the field who are currently employed outside of the field or who are in the field and did not complete there undergraduate degree in recreation find that the program provides them with the formal training that they need.

QUESTION: Why weekends?

A typical three credit course in the program occurs over three weekends. There are several reasons for this. First, it enables us to take the program downstate and service the people working and living in the metro areas. Since people spend a full day on-site, they are willing to travel further to participate in the program. The program has attracted students from Delaware, Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia.

Second, most professionals find three weekends much more convenient than fifteen evenings over a semester.

Third, the program brings key administrators back from the field to teach many of the courses. They are able to teach on the weekend whereas encumbering evenings during the week interferes with their work schedule too much.

Fourth, the weekend fosters collegiality among the students. Everyone gets to know everyone in class and that often contributes to the learning experience as much as the formal education.

QUESTION: I am interested in the program. Who do I contact regarding the program and where and when is the next cohort?

Dr. Maureen Dougherty is the coordinator of the program. Her contact information is provided below. She can easily bring you up-to-date on the specifics of the program.