Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department
Susan Wilson, chair
Kenneth Cohen, graduate coordinator
Jacqueline Dyke, online therapeutic recreation graduate coordinator
Professional Studies Building, Room 2213
607-753-4941
Email: rpls@cortland.edu

Overview

Develop knowledge and skills in the dynamic field of therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy.

Therapeutic recreation focuses on leisure and recreation as integral components to achieve optimal health and well-being for individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions. The Therapeutic Recreation MS will help you develop your proficiency and achieve a higher level of competence and professionalism in an exciting and growing field.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature and scope of the therapeutic recreation profession and its associated service delivery systems, and the foundations of the therapeutic recreation profession in history, theory, science, and philosophy.
2. Demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, implement, document, and evaluate therapeutic recreation services that facilitate targeted human experiences and outcomes, and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
3. Demonstrate entry-level knowledge about the management/administration of therapeutic recreation services.
4. Demonstrate the sustained ability to apply the therapeutic recreation process; use diverse, structured ways of thinking to solve problems related to different facets of professional practice; and stimulate innovation.

Program Highlights

The Therapeutic Recreation MS is a graduate degree program comprised of 11 three-credit-hour courses and a one-credit-hour culminating activity. Courses that are three-credit- hour include:

• Six therapeutic recreation content courses structured around the requirements of national certification
• One general recreation theory/philosophy course
• Two courses in research and evaluation
• One supportive elective course
• An internship in therapeutic recreation that meets the standards set by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification via the Academic Path to take the national exam for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential.

The MS is offered both fully online and fully in-person. The online program is ideal for:

• People wishing to pursue national certification in therapeutic recreation but lacking specific academic courses
• Career changers or practicing professionals pursuing continuing education
• Graduate students seeking additional coursework in an online format
• People who would find on-campus classes difficult to manage because of work, location, or family

Career Potential

Therapeutic recreation specialists serve persons of all ages with a wide range of disabling conditions and illnesses such as behavioral health, mental health, physical, and/or developmental disabilities.

These qualified professionals work in all levels of positions from therapists to supervisors to administrators.

Employment settings range from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities, outpatient/day treatment centers, adult day programs, correctional facilities, disability organizations, schools, community parks and recreation departments, human services, residential/transitional facilities, and more.

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. A resume, uploaded as part of the online application process
4. A one- or two-page statement of your educational and professional goals, uploaded as part of the online application process
5. Names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, submitted as part of the 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 specific coursework may be required to complete additional coursework to be eligible for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential, managed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
2. 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 2.8 are encouraged to contact the department before applying for admission.
3. 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