Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions about the RSM Graduate program.
What is the actual Frostburg State University degree that I earn from this program?
Students earn a Master's of Science (MS) degree in Recreation and Sport Management.
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.
Do I need to take the GRE's for admission into the program?
No, you do not need to take the GRE’s to be admitted into the program. We feel the admission requirements we put in place are strong indicators of student success in this program.
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 RSM 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 undergraduate program primarily focuses on leadership and programming skills. In contrast, the master's program is designed to prepare students for the next step in their careers or for administrative positions in recreation, parks, and sports agencies. For this reason, you will note the absence of any program planning classes in the master's program.
Why do I need this program?
Generally, students who enroll in the RSM program cite two reasons. First, they want to advance to the next step in their careers and learn the administrative skills they will need to do so. Second, people who want to enter the field, who are currently employed outside the field, or who are in the field and did not complete their undergraduate degree in recreation find that the program provides them with the formal training they need.
Why online?
Due to the growing needs of professionals without available access to a graduate degree and the busy schedules of our students, the program transitioned to an online format in 2010.
There are ten required courses that make up the 30-credit program. Courses are offered online every semester (spring, summer, and fall) and are 7-week intensive courses. If a student completes all requirements, the program will take less than two years to finish. The program can be completed in as little as one year if students' schedules allow for a heavier course load each semester, including a summer semester.
The program is designed to accommodate professionals working in the field who desire to remain employed while completing their program.
A new cohort begins every fall. Early admission is April 1st, with the official application deadline of July 1st. Applications can be submitted after July 1st, and they will be considered dependent on availability in the cohort. The application must be fully complete to be considered. Spring admissions are available, and considerations are provided on a case-by-case basis.
I am interested in the program. Who should I contact regarding the program and the next cohort?
After carefully reviewing the information on this website, feel free to contact Dr. Natalia Buta Lowe, the coordinator of the online graduate program. Her contact information is listed below. You are encouraged to e-mail Dr. Buta with any specific questions you have regarding admission into the program.
Natalia Buta Lowe, Ph.D.
Coordinator, RSM Online Graduate Program
Frostburg State University
nbuta@frostburg.edu
301.687.4458
If you have specific questions about accessing the online application process, please contact Autumn Becker, Director of Graduate Admissions, at abecker@frostburg.edu.