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Recreation Therapy, M.S. | (Recreational Therapy)

Learn how to improve people’s well-being with IU Online’s Master of Science in Recreation: Recreational Therapy. Learn a variety of techniques to treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of your clients.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 35

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $518.62

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $621.98

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

As a student in the Master of Science in Recreation: Recreational Therapy, you will build the necessary skills to assess the needs of individuals, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs, and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. Upon successful completion of the degree, you will be eligible to sit for the Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination and be prepared for a career in client care services, department supervision, or service lines.

You will have opportunities for direct experience with clients with disabilities through local agencies. Through projects, internship opportunities, and field experiences, you will learn intervention planning, therapeutic communication skills, service planning, and intervention techniques and have opportunities to participate in faculty research.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To be accepted to this program, you must have a bachelor's degree.
To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • Statement of purpose (600 words or less)
  • Resume
  • GRE scores
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only) 

Your IU Online M.S. in Recreation: Recreational Therapy prepares you for such careers as: 

  • Recreational therapist
  • Adaptive sport coordinator
  • Activities director
  • Activity coordinator
  • Therapeutic recreation specialist
  • General activities therapist

To graduate with the M.S. in Recreation: Recreational Therapy, you must complete 35 credit hours. 

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • Recreational therapy foundation courses (15 credit hours) 
  • Recreational therapy emphasis courses (12 credit hours) 
  • Recreational therapy capstone project (3-5 credit hours) 
  • Elective (3 credit hours)

Core

Core Classes for the Master of Science in Recreational Therapy
Course Number Course Name Credits
SPH-Q 501 Introduction to Statistics in Public Health 3 Credits
SPH-R 510 Philosophy of Leisure and Recreation 3 Credits
SPH-R 512 Administration Theory and Management Practices in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Public Lands 3 Credits
SPH-R 697 Internship in Recreation and Parks 3 Credits
SPH-X 590 Introduction to Research in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation 3 Credits
SPH-Y 560 Professional Development of Therapeutic Recreation 3 Credits
SPH-Y 561 Advanced Therapeutic Recreation Processes 3 Credits
SPH-Y 562 Social Psychology of Therapeutic Recreation 3 Credits
SPH-Y 563 Program Development and Consultation in Therapeutic Recreation 3 Credits
SPH-Y 564 Advanced Facilitation Techniques in Recreational Therapy 3 Credits

Elective

Electives for the Master of Science in Recreational Therapy
Course Number Course Name Credits
SPH-R 550 Special Concerns in Parks and Recreation 3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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