Skip to main content
Indiana University Online

Outdoor Recreation, M.S.R.

Deepen your understanding of how outdoor recreation impacts the health of our communities with the M.S.R. in Outdoor Recreation through IU Online. This flexible degree program allows you to specialize in an area of outdoor recreation that interests you and advances your career.

A man wearing a backpack smiles over his shoulder while walking in the woods.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 35

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $518.62

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $621.98

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Two girls wearing helmets and harnesses help each other on a rope course.

Degree Overview

The IU Online Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation develops your understanding in one of four areas of specialization: 

  • Outdoor interpretation
  • Resource management
  • Outdoor leadership
  • Outdoor recreation

No matter which track you choose, you will learn how to promote meaningful and healthy relationships between people and outdoor resources and understand human ecology.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To be accepted to this program, you must have a bachelor's degree.
To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:
  • Transcripts
  • Personal statement of purpose
  • GRE scores (not required of applicants with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher)
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only)
Application Dates

Fall semester (priority date): Jan 15

Fall semester (deadline): Apr 1

Spring semester: Nov 15

Summer semester: Jan 15

Your IU Online M.S.R. in Outdoor Recreation prepares you for such careers as:

  • Counselor
  • Outdoor recreation manager
  • Resource manager
  • Camping administrator
  • Outdoor/environmental educator and interpreter
  • Outdoor leader
  • Safety, wellness, or recreation coordinator

To earn the M.S.R. in Outdoor Recreation, you must complete 35 credit hours. Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • All new master’s students must complete the non-credit online course, Foundational Knowledge in Public Health, available through IU Expand, no later than the end of their first semester of graduate study.
  • Outdoor recreation core courses (17–20 credits)
  • Capstone courses (2–5 credits)
  • Specialization courses (12 credits)
  • Electives (3–6 credits)

Core Classes for the MSR n Outdoor Recreation
Course Number Course Name Credits
SPH-Q 501 Introduction to Statistics in Public Health 3 Credits
SPH-R 510 Philosophy of Leisure and Recreation 3 Credits
SPH-R 511 Organizational Leadership for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Public Lands 3 Credits
SPH-X 525 Foundations of Conservation in Parks and Recreation  3 Credits
SPH-R 590 Introduction to Research in Health & Wellness Design 3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Find the answers you need or start your application. We’re here to help!