Research Focus
Research
Research shapes the identity, stimulates classroom instruction and serves as a springboard for our Department's public engagement activities.
Research is also an important component of professional preparation of master's and doctoral students in the Department of Recreation, Sport and
Tourism. Members of our faculty are world-renowned for their scholarly accomplishments and are involved in many exciting research projects. They
are actively collaborating with faculty from a number of different departments on the University of Illinois campus, including Kinesiology and
Community Health; Human and Community Development; Anthropology; Urban Planning; Landscape Architecture and others. They are also involved in
joint research projects with the Penn State University, Texas A & M University, North Carolina State University, University of Michigan and
many other institutions. Learn more about research interests of our faculty.
Our Department is home to five exciting research laboratories where graduate students can develop their
research skills:
Research Labs
- Diversity Research Lab
- Leisure and Health Lab
- Park Planning and Policy Lab
- Tourism Laboratory for Economic and Social Behavior Research
- Sports Lab
Whether as part of a class project, thesis or dissertation,
or collaboration with faculty on their grants, our graduate students conduct an impressive number of scientific investigations. From
leisure and mental health among cancer survivors, to economics of sport, tourism demand forecasting, and leisure and marital satisfaction among
intercultural couples, our graduate students' interests span a wide variety of topics in the field of recreation, sport, and tourism. Learn more
about various research projects conducted by our grads.
One of the advantages of pursuing graduate education in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism is that you become a part of the
University of Illinois—a leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. The University has distinguished itself by the
breadth of its programs and by its academic excellence. Founded in 1868, it is one of the original 37 public land-grant institutions. Today,
it is home to 150 fields of study housed in 16 colleges and instructional units and to over 150 research centers and institutes. More than 10,000
graduate and professional students attend our University, placing it among the top 10 American universities in the number of earned doctorates awarded
annually. Additionally, you will have access to one of the largest public university library collections in the world.
By coming to the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism you will also be able to take advantage of instruction from a number of leading
departments on campus.
The University of Illinois is also ranked 4th in the nation's "top 20 Research Institutions" in the number of international students. In 2008,
almost 6,000 international students from 131 countries attended the University. Graduate students from various countries including Korea,
China, Taiwan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Poland, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Malaysia are currently pursuing their master's and doctoral degrees in
the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism.
Teaching
The faculty of the Department of Recreation Sport and Tourism believe that in addition to research, teaching is an important aspect of
doctoral-level preparation for a successful career in academia, and is thus committed to providing opportunities to involve all qualified
Ph.D. students in its teaching mission. Our senior-level doctoral students are involved in undergraduate instruction in courses that match
their professional interests and expertise. Our students teach courses in Public Recreation; Leisure Service Delivery; Leisure
and Consumer Culture; Ethical Issues in Sport Management; Foundations of Tourism; Cultural Aspects of Tourism, and others. In order to prepare Ph.D.
students for their teaching assignments and to facilitate their success in the classroom, the Department has established the Graduate
Student Teaching Preparation Program—a graduate-level course geared toward teaching in the professorate, seminars, and one-on-one
mentoring.
Public Engagement
Another factor integral to the Department's mission is its commitment to public engagement. Each year our graduate students participate in
many conferences, institutes, and workshops in the U.S. and abroad. Research and class projects take students and professors away from their
classrooms and laboratories to share expertise and technical support with Illinois communities, park districts, and organizations. Our students
have an opportunity to be involved in the activities of the Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR)—the primary service arm of the
Department. ORPR serves practitioners, communities, and organizations throughout the State of Illinois who are interested in learning more
about parks and recreation and in improving the quality of life and health in their communities. Our graduate students also fulfill important
functions serving on student boards of professional organizations (e.g., NRPA). They also have the opportunity to learn the inner
workings of academia by serving on departmental, college, and campus committees.
Fun!
Let’s not forget about the fun aspect of graduate education! From informal socializing at picnics and parties, to Illini basketball and
football games, and hiking and caving trips led by some of our faculty, our students have plenty of opportunity to get to know each other, form
life-long friendships, and make sure their studies at Illinois are an unforgettable experience.