COURSE CURRICULUM

The Therapeutic Recreation Administration Master of Science option is a 30-credit program designed to prepare students for advanced professional practice in clinical, community, and rehabilitation-based recreation settings. The degree includes required coursework, research training, electives, and a capstone experience, with students choosing either a thesis or portfolio track in consultation with a faculty adviser. Full-time students with a background in therapeutic recreation typically complete the program in about two years, while those without an undergraduate TR degree or those studying part-time may require additional time. Core coursework includes foundational subjects such as Concepts of Recreation and Leisure and Recreation Administration and Organizational Behavior, which build an understanding of recreation systems and organizational leadership. Research competency is developed through courses in research methods or data-driven decision-making along with statistical analysis training, equipping students to evaluate programs and apply evidence-based practice. The capstone component involves either a formal master’s thesis focused on research or a portfolio-based capstone seminar combined with additional applied coursework. Students also complete a significant number of electives, typically 12–18 credits within the Recreation Management and Policy department, covering areas such as adaptive sport facilitation, therapeutic recreation service delivery, nonprofit administration, fund development, legal and policy issues, internships, teaching practice, and independent study. Additional elective options outside the department allow interdisciplinary learning in fields such as human development and family studies, nutrition, occupational therapy and assistive technology, public health systems and policy, social welfare, child and adolescent development, law, ethics, and social justice, as well as adventure therapy and risk behavior studies. Overall, the program blends academic theory, research skills, and applied clinical experience to prepare graduates for leadership roles in therapeutic recreation, healthcare settings, rehabilitation services, community health programs, and inclusive recreation environments supporting diverse populations.