Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions about the RPSM 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, Parks 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 RPSM 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, parks and sport 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 take the RPSM 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 their undergraduate degree in recreation find that the program provides them with the formal training that they need.
Why online?
Throughout its fifteen year history, the Masters program has traditionally been offered through a weekend cohort approach in the central Maryland metropolitan district. Due to the growing needs of professionals without available access to a graduate degree and the busy schedules of our students, the program has transitioned to an online format.
There are ten required courses that make up the 30 credit program. Courses will be offered online every semester in a sequential order. If a student completes all requirements, the program will take 2 years to finish.
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 1, 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.
I am interested in the program. Who do I contact regarding the program and where and when is the next cohort?
After taking a careful look at the information on this website, feel free to contact Dr. Natalia Buta who is 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, Ph.D.
Coordinator, RPSM Online Graduate Program
Frostburg State University
nbuta@frostburg.edu
301.687.4458 or 352.870.9533
If you have specific questions about accessing the online application process, please contact Wendy Wilson, Graduate Services Program Specialist at wwilson@frostburg.edu