Eliza's next chapter

A funded Clemson master’s opportunity worth understanding.

This site puts the program, assistantship, finances, logistics, experience, and career value in one place so family can see what Eliza is considering.

See the Assistantship Explore the Degree
Clemson Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Welcome Back graphic

2 years

Typical YDL master's duration

36 credits

Online, non-thesis YDL curriculum

Tuition waiver

Included in the funded assistantship announcement

What Eliza Is Considering

Eliza is graduating from Clemson University in December 2026 with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

She is considering Clemson's Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership while also pursuing a funded graduate research assistantship connected to faculty she already knows through her Clemson research experience.

The key point: this is not simply "more school." It could combine graduate education, paid research experience, faculty mentorship, and a tuition waiver.

Why This Site Exists

To help family understand the opportunity using the same information Eliza is reviewing: the degree, the assistantship, the finances, and the tradeoffs.

Why Eliza Is Already Positioned for This

Eliza's experience now goes beyond coursework. She is an Event Operations Intern with Clemson Campus Recreation, participates in Clemson's Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research work, and is listed by the Virtual Reality and Nature Lab among its Proteges in Research and Innovation interns.

In Fall 2026, the VRN Lab also highlighted Eliza as the student leader for its Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research team.

See Eliza's Experience
Eliza demonstrating virtual reality during community outreach

Potential Upside

  • Graduate degree without normal tuition cost.
  • Paid research experience while completing the degree.
  • Faculty mentorship from people who already know Eliza's work.
  • Experience with research, technology, community partners, and program evaluation.

The Real Tradeoffs

  • Less spendable income than taking a full-time job immediately.
  • Travel to Clemson and research sites.
  • Possible overlap with Brandon's graduate-school plans.
  • Need to confirm exact stipend, summer support, and workload.
Clemson University clock tower and campus

A Clemson Program With a Real Campus Home

Even though the YDL coursework is online, Eliza would still be connected to Clemson's PRTM department, faculty, research community, and assistantship work. Sirrine Hall is the department's physical home on campus.

See the Logistics

Her Path to This Point

2018

Cancer for College Carolina Scholarship recipient

2023–26

Clemson PRTM undergraduate student

2026

Campus Recreation intern + VRN student leader

Next

Potential funded Clemson master's assistantship