Western Illinois University RPTA and Sport Management launch new Integrated Degree Program
MACOMB/Moline, IL – – The Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration (RPTA) and the Master of Science Sport Management program housed within the WIU Department of Kinesiology will introduce a new 4+1 integrated bachelor’s to master’s degree program that provides the competitive and interdisciplinary opportunity for students of both programs to accelerate their academic career and earn both degrees in five years.
“This 4+1 integrated degree program with RPTA demonstrates our unwavering commitment to listen to the needs of our students and to meet the constantly changing challenges of today’s fast-paced and increasingly competitive global world,” said Kinesiology Department Chair Renee Polubinsky.
WIU’s Sport Management graduate program is one of the oldest and most established programs in the nation, enjoying a strong reputation in the sport industry. Similarly, RPTA boasts a long and rich tradition as one of the first 10 programs of its kind in the country to be accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association.
Both RPTA and the Sport Management program expect this partnership to be prosperous, fostering increased engagement between the departments, students, faculty and staff. Admission into the program is limited, and students seeking to enroll must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25. RPTA students should apply to the Sport Management program when in junior standing; however, students may be eligible at varying times. For more information on eligibility, students should contact their academic advisor in the RPTA program.
“While RPTA will continue to offer its own integrated B.S. to M.S. in RPTA for those seeking careers in the leisure industries, we are excited to partner with Sport Management to provide this opportunity for students who are interested in careers in collegiate sport and sports administration. Allowing students opportunities to hone their education to meet their career needs through interdisciplinary programs is vital to meeting industry needs,” said Interim RPTA Chair Mike Lukkarinen.
An integrated 4+1 baccalaureate and master’s degree program is already available for the Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and Journalism (Sports Broadcasting option) and Master of Science in Sport Management.
“Stay tuned for more news from WIU’s Sport Management program, as we are getting ready for more 50th anniversary celebration events throughout the academic 2022-23 year,” said Polubinsky.
For more information about the Sport Management graduate program, visit wiu.edu/graduate_studies/programs_of_study/sptmgt_profile.php.
