Master of Recreation and Youth Development
The Master of Recreation and Youth Development, MRYD, program is designed for active and progressive youth development professionals. Many youth serving professionals aspire to continue to pursue their careers while earning a graduate professional degree. MRYD students form cohorts of fellow professionals who study advanced topics in developmental processes, behavioral science, and management of youth-serving organizations.
Students discover science-based techniques for structuring experiences that build character and help youth thrive and flourish while also advancing their skills as managers of youth organizations. Our program is unique and allows for a flexible, engaging degree program.
Program Details
This program is a graduate professional degree program administered fully online or hybrid. The degree plan consists of at least 36 semester-credit hours of coursework. The coursework consists of 18 credit hours in the department and 18 credit hours of electives that reflect your interests in youth development practice and management of youth-serving organizations.
Students participate in a collaborative learning environment with youth development professionals and explore innovative solutions to challenges facing youth development today. By completing this program, students obtain a degree that signals their leadership and dedication to youth development.
- Degree: Master of Recreation and Youth Development
- Credit Hours: 36 total credit hours
Core Curriculum
While students are allowed the flexibility to select support courses to tailor their graduate program to match their academic interests and career aspirations, students are required to complete five core curriculum courses to gain content knowledge and skills. All students will be assessed on their performance in each of these five core courses:
Students are also required to complete field experience:
Graduate Admissions
We will accept applications in the spring and summer and enrollment for cohorts only occurs each fall term. Applications are due June 1st. The application process for the Master of Recreation and Youth Development is unique. In addition to filling out an application to Texas A&M University, students must submit an application packet, complete with a resume (please use provided template), personal statement, three letters of recommendation and a writing sample. The GRE is optional.
What Do I Need to Apply?
- Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
- Official transcripts and records, sent to the Office of Admissions
- Note: GRE Scores are optional*
- Statement of purpose outlining intent and professional career goals*
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted electronically with your application*
- Writing sample to demonstrate writing proficiency*
- Prior to and while in the process of applying, applicants are highly encouraged to meet with and have conversations with faculty in their desired research and interest area.
Personal Statement
In 750 words or less, address the following topics:
- Your personal and professional goals for your intended career,
- What (including the people, places, or events) inspired you to pursue a career in public service,
- How obtaining the MRYD from the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications will help you achieve your goals.
- Include your youth development experience and what value you bring to the program.
Letters of Recommendation
Three recommendations with evaluations are required and must be received by the application deadline. We prefer letters be from a higher education academic reference, particularly from a course instructor who can attest to an applicant’s capability to pursue graduate school. However, we can accept professional references as needed, particularly for those who graduated several years prior to applying. Professional references can speak to the applicant’s leadership; character; public service, military, or work experience, but should provide specific anecdotes as to why the applicant is qualified for the MRYD program. Applications with fewer than three recommendations will NOT be reviewed for admission.
Writing Samples
Your sample should reflect your best academic writing. It can consist of an undergraduate honor thesis, senior seminar page or undergraduate research paper. Your writing sample should be no more than 15 pages.
GRE (Optional)
The Master of Recreation and Youth Development does NOT require applicants to submit GRE scores, but many still do for reasons stated below. We use the cumulative GPA (out of 4.0) as listed on the transcript issuing the degree (bachelor, master, Ph.D.). Applicants weighing the decision to submit scores should consider their testing ability, time to study, and whether scores will help or hinder their application.
- Optional for those with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better.
- Strongly encouraged for those with a cumulative GPA below 3.2 OR if grades/experience do not reflect current abilities.
- Encouraged for those who feel scores can complement a strong file or offset concerns such as a low GPA or lack of experience in the field.
To be valid, scores must be within five years of the date the GradCAS application is submitted.
International Students
Official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. Official scores must be sent by ETS directly to Texas A&M University using the school code: 6003. Exams must be taken within the last two years. Visit the Graduate and Professional School website for a list of requirements, exemptions and other useful information regarding the TOEFL/IELTS Exams. English proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the criteria below:
- a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of at least 146 (must be taken in last five years) or;
- a minimum TOEFL score of: 80 internet-based testing; 550 for paper-based testing (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum TOEFL Essentials score of at least 8.5 (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum PTE Academic score of 53 (from a test date within two years)
Admissions Decisions
Applicants will receive an admissions decision either in a letter from the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions and/or from the department.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
By submitting an application, all students are considered for scholarships and fellowships. To be considered for additional funding opportunities outside of the department, students are encouraged to submit the financial aid application and a scholarship application, along with their graduate school application. This ensures students are reviewed for all the types of financial aid that you are eligible for. Remember: each student’s financial aid eligibility may vary. The types of financial aid you are offered is based on the data provided on your financial aid and/or scholarship application. If a student is an international or out-of-state resident and receives a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000, they may qualify for a non-resident tuition waiver. Students interested in assistantships should visit guidelines for applying for a departmental assistantship.
Contact Us
Scott Cummings
Professor and Extension Specialist, Associate Head for Graduate Programs
AGLS 254
Chad Nelson
Instructional Associate Professor, MRYD Program Director