Doctoral Program
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research oriented degree that prepares successful candidates for positions in higher education, private organizations,
public agencies, and other research-based positions. During their doctoral program, students complete course work, written and oral preliminary examinations,
and a dissertation in an area of specialization.
Core Requirements
- RST 550–Theory and Methods of Leisure-4 hours
- RST 551–Contemporary Issues in Leisure-4 hours
- RST 590–Seminar- 0 hours, required 4 semesters (recommended every semester on campus)
Specialization Requirements
- Departmental coursework to support specialization-12 hours
- Coursework outside department to support specialization-16 hours
- Advanced research methods to support specialization-12 hours
Thesis Requirements
- RST 599–Thesis Research-32 hours
TOTAL UNITS (minimum): 80 credit hours
Prerequisite for Ph.D. Program
- Master's degree
- Graduate level foundations class in leisure (e.g., current RST 501)
- Graduate level social science research design (e.g.,current RST 503)
Graduate Student Teaching Preparation Program
In addition to the above coursework, students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to enhance their teaching skills by
attending teaching workshops and taking RST 560 or an equivalent teaching preparation course (all potential substitutes must be approved
by the Graduate Committee). RST 560 may be counted toward the 12 hours of "Departmental Coursework to Support Specialization" requirement.
Progress Reports
Every doctoral student will be required to submit a progress report once a year. The reports will have to be submitted to the department,
not the individual advisors, by May 31st of each year (or as soon as grades are available).
Course Description
RST 550: Theory and Methods of Leisure
Surveys concepts, methods, and problems of leisure research that are common to recreation, sport and tourism; histories of theoretical and methodical
developments are discussed, appreciated and critiqued; examines the development of ideas through literature, with discussion centered on explaining the
evolution of literature (Prerequisite is 501 or equivalent)
RST 551: Contemporary Issues in Leisure
Critically surveys research from neighboring disciplines to determine how this research may inform and influence future research in recreation, sport
and tourism; provides a comparative perspective, including discovery alternative theories to guide our research; examines links between distinct phenomena
that can potentially lead to creative research (Prerequisite is 550)