Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department
Sharon Todd, chair
Anderson Young, graduate coordinator
Professional Studies Building
Room 2213
(607) 753-4941
Fax: (607) 753-5982
Email: rpls@cortland.edu

Overview

Whether to enhance your skills as a teacher or to prepare for a career in recreation, the M.S.Ed. in recreation education from SUNY Cortland may be right for you. If you hold or are eligible to hold a New York state teaching certificate, this degree can lead to your professional certification, as well as a variety of other career options. Choose from three program concentrations:

• Outdoor and Environmental Education
• Management of Leisure Services
• Therapeutic Recreation

Program Highlights

Enjoy collaborating with your peers from many fields in small classes led by dedicated faculty. Beyond in-depth topics in your concentration and core courses in recreation, you’ll explore related issues in the behavioral, natural and social sciences, health, political science, sociology and education. You’ll also learn about research methods and complete a master’s thesis or other culminating activity. When you successfully conclude the program, you may be qualified to sit for national certification examinations.

Internship Capstone Experience

Most students choose to cap their study with an internship experience that integrates theory with practice under the supervision of a SUNY Cortland faculty member and a professional in the field. Sites range from campus recreation programs and after-school activities to retirement communities, special event planning, camps, hospitals, inclusive community recreation, historical and cultural interpretation at national park units, university program management or commercial resorts.

Career Potential

Recreation affects all walks of life and all ages. The M.S.Ed. in recreation education from SUNY Cortland gives you the tools to create a rewarding career serving a wide range of audiences, whether you remain in education or shift to the field of recreation and parks. You may choose options such as teaching in public or private schools, serving as an activity director at an after-school program, managing a state park or becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. You’re also well prepared to pursue the Ph.D. at graduate schools such as Cornell, Clemson, University of Illinois, North Carolina State University and University of Florida.

Graduate Admission

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland, we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application - Apply Now
2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045
3. Documentation of teaching certification or eligibility for teaching certification in any subject area issued by the New York State Education Department
4. A resume, uploaded as part of online application process
5. A one- or two-page statement of your educational and professional goals, uploaded as part of online application process
6. Names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three references, submitted as part of online application process
   Note: At least one reference must be academic. Letters of recommendation are not  required.

Admissions Criteria

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

1. Bachelor’s degree, completed before classes begin, in any academic major. Students without certain recreation course work may be required to complete three to nine hours of corequisite course work.
2. Teaching certification or eligibility for teaching certification in any subject area issued by the New York State Education Department. Persons without such should apply for the Master of Science in Recreation degree.
3. An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or above, on a 4.0 scale. Students who feel they are qualified in spite of an undergraduate grade point average below a 2.8 are encouraged to contact the department before applying for admission.
4. A grade point average above 2.8 does not guarantee admission. Other application materials are considered. Spaces in the program may be limited.

Deadlines

Fall semester applications: July 1
Spring semester applications: Dec. 1
Summer semester applications: April 1

Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 607-753-4800 to check availability.