University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme combines coursework in facilities management with broader parks and recreation theory and applied practice. Core themes include facility planning and design, operations and maintenance, risk management and safety, sustainable site and grounds management, budgeting and fiscal management, programming and customer service, and legal and policy issues affecting public and private leisure providers.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Facilities Planning and Administration – space planning, capital project management and life‑cycle cost analysis for recreation facilities.
• Operations, Maintenance and Grounds Management – preventive maintenance systems, equipment and turf/landscape maintenance principles relevant to parks and sports complexes.
• Risk Management and Safety – inspection protocols, emergency planning and liability considerations for public and commercial leisure sites.
• Financial Management for Recreation Facilities – budgeting, revenue generation, cost recovery and grant funding strategies.
• Programming, Marketing and Visitor Services – designing inclusive programmes, customer service systems and community engagement strategies.
• Research Methods and Evaluation – applied research techniques, programme evaluation and use of data to inform management decisions.
• Capstone Experience or Thesis – options typically include a professional practicum or applied research project addressing a real‑world facilities management challenge.

Instruction combines seminars, case studies, site visits and a supervised practicum or project with municipal, state or private facility partners to develop practical skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in parks and recreation, leisure studies, environmental science, hospitality, business or a related field. Selection typically considers academic record, relevant professional or volunteer experience, and fit with the programme.

Typical application components include:

• Official undergraduate transcripts demonstrating satisfactory academic performance.
• A current CV or résumé outlining relevant work or internship experience.
• A personal statement describing career goals and reasons for pursuing graduate study in parks, recreation and facilities management.
• Two academic or professional letters of recommendation.
• International applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through recognised tests where required.

Standardised tests (such as the GRE) may be optional or subject to departmental policy; applicants should consult the department’s admissions guidance for current requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for supervisory and management roles in public parks and recreation agencies, municipal and regional park systems, private leisure and sports facility operations, campus recreation, and commercial venue management. Typical job titles include Park Manager, Facilities Director, Recreation Services Manager, Operations Manager, Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor, Event and Venue Coordinator, and Asset Management Specialist.

Alumni work for a range of employers including local and state park agencies, municipal recreation departments, private clubs and commercial leisure operators, non‑profit conservation and outdoor recreation organisations, and higher education campus recreation departments. The programme’s applied practicum and project options also support career transition to consultancy and specialised facility planning roles.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a programme emphasising applied skills and field experience in a region with diverse natural and recreational resources. Students benefit from faculty with applied research and practitioner experience in parks and recreation, opportunities for internships with municipal and state agencies, and proximity to regional parks and outdoor facilities for hands‑on learning.

The university’s campus environment supports collaborative learning and access to campus recreation operations, providing practical, real‑world contexts for facility management training. Students can also build professional networks through regional partnerships and alumni working in public and private recreation sectors across the southern United States.