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
"The Value of a Master's Degree to Recreation Professionals", Edition 2, Volume 27, Pages 22-35, SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 2012
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Hodge, Camilla J.; Hill, Brian J.; and Brinton, Christian, "The Value of a Master’s Degree to Recreation Professionals" (2012). Faculty Publications. 8762.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/8762
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2012
Publisher
SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education
Language
English
College
Marriott School of Business
Department
Experience Design and Management
Copyright Use Information
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