Keywords

value of a master’s degree, salary, recreation professionals, job satisfaction

Abstract

This study assessed the nature of the relationship between earning advanced degrees and career outcomes such as salary, job satisfaction, social capital, and human capital among professionals in the parks and recreation field. The sample (n = 196) was drawn from parks and recreation agencies located in the United States. Agencies, excluding educational institutions, were identified via an Internet search for parks and recreation agencies in urban areas. Findings indicated there was a positive relationship between earning a master’s degree and salary. Earning a master’s degree, however, was not significantly related to job satisfaction, social capital, or human capital. Furthermore, when comparing mean salaries across different types of master’s degrees, respondents with a business degree or other type of non-recreation related master’s degree earned significantly more than respondents with a recreation-related master’s degree. Findings indicate a need to evaluate recreation-related master’s programs in context of desired career outcomes.

Original Publication Citation

Hodge, Camilla J., Brian J. Hill and Christian Brinton. 2011. “The Value of a Master’s Degree to Recreation Professionals.” SCHOLE, 27(2): unpaginated.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2017

Publisher

SCHOLE

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Experience Design and Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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