Recreational Therapy, M.S.
About the Program
The 36-credit online M.S. in Recreational Therapy is designed for individuals who want to advance their knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice within healthcare and human services. The curriculum teaches from a conceptual model of health promotion and rehabilitation and maintains a lifespan perspective in three core areas: health, disability, and leisure. The primary focus of academic and clinical preparation is on training recreational therapists to use play, recreation, and leisure to achieve and maintain goals related to health promotion, rehabilitation, and full participation in active, meaningful life. Specialization coursework can be used to meet advanced certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
The faculty utilize contemporary educational and learning technologies to impart the most current cutting-edge practitioner and leadership skills central to today’s healthcare and human service provision. All this is done while maintaining the timeless concepts of health, recreation, and leisure as that which drives the human spirit. The online M.S. in Recreational Therapy program is designed for those who strive to be leaders in recreational therapy and share a drive to improve the lives of others while harnessing the value inherent in, and benefits derived from, recreational activities.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years
Campus Location: Online, with a combination of synchronous components (web conference–based, live class discussions; chat rooms; and video meetings) and asynchronous components (discussion boards and other assignments completed by students on their own time)
Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
Interdisciplinary Study: Interdisciplinary study is encouraged and may be geared toward the student's personal interests (e.g., counseling, exercise science, or special education). The diversity of departments and programs in the College of Public Health presents abundant opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning.
Affiliation(s): Numerous healthcare and human service agencies in Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware Valley region cooperate with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and offer opportunities for student training and research. These include nationally recognized rehabilitation facilities such as Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, MossRehab, the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports, the Princeton Medical Center, Shriner's Hospital, the Temple University Hospital and Health System, United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia, and the Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center.
Additionally, graduate students are encouraged and supported to complete internships/clinical practicums in an extensive network of agencies cultivated by the program over the years. These include placements across the country, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Montana, and Virginia.
Ranking: The faculty and the program are nationally recognized for excellence and have received numerous national and state awards for their contributions. Graduates of the program consistently perform well on the national credentialing examination for certified recreational therapists.
Accreditation: The academic program meets or exceeds all current curriculum standards issued by NCTRC and other professional organizations.
Areas of Specialization: Faculty members specialize and offer learning opportunities in adapted sport and inclusive recreation, behavioral health, disability studies, geriatrics, health promotion and rehabilitation, pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation.
Job Prospects: Graduates of the program are highly sought for advanced clinical/management positions in adult day programs, assisted living facilities, community settings providing specialized services to individuals with disabilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and pediatric facilities. Graduates who use the degree to enter this field are also highly sought after to begin practicing as recreational therapists.
Certification: Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals when they meet the agency's stringent standards.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students are allowed to take up to 9 credits of graduate coursework before matriculation. Selection of courses must be made in conjunction with the department's Graduate Program Director.
Financing Opportunities: Limited funding is available in the form of select assistantships and externships:
- Research Assistants are expected to devote up to 20 hours per week to research obligations. Availability depends on whether faculty have externally funded research grants. Assignments vary depending on the nature of the grant. A Research Assistantship carries a stipend and partial or full tuition remission.
- Graduate Externships are available through other divisions of the university. For example, Temple University's Recreation Services hires externs to conduct student recreation events, and the Institute on Disabilities hires externs to assist with various projects. Externs do not receive tuition remission. Externship positions are handled directly by the units offering them.
Applying for a position as a Research Assistant or Graduate Extern is done in the form of a letter outlining relevant qualifications and experience. Students are notified as opportunities become available.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1
All applicants to the M.S. in Recreational Therapy program must apply via the Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS). The system can be accessed at https://sophas.liaisoncas.com/.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3
From Whom: One letter of recommendation should be written by a faculty member who can comment on your academic ability. The others can be from professional references who can speak to your work-related competencies.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: If admitted, students lacking NCTRC national credentialing are required to take leveling and supportive undergraduate courses in addition to the M.S. degree requirements.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited post-secondary school is required. All undergraduate majors are considered. A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required, but applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for admission based on scores at or above the 65th percentile on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or a GPA of 3.25 in 9 credits of graduate-level coursework.
Statement of Goals: A 500- to 1,000-word essay describes your background, interests, accomplishments, and career goals. Specifically, describe why your interests and goals make you a good fit for a career in Recreational Therapy. Include any experience you have working with individuals with disabilities and/or in the recreation field, if applicable. Focus on producing a clear, well-written document, as the master’s program emphasizes scholarly writing.
Standardized Test Scores:
GRE or MAT: Official scores should be sent directly to SOPHAS using code 0151. The GRE may be waived for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above. This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the applicant should contact the Office of Admissions to discuss further.
TOEFL: 79 iBT or 550 PBT minimum. TOEFL scores should be sent officially to SOPHAS using the SOPHAS-specific TOEFL code of 5688.
Clearances: The Recreational Therapy M.S. program requires students to complete clinical/field education experiences at facilities both on and off Temple University’s campuses. These placements require criminal background checks, Act 33/34 clearances, and perhaps a drug screen. Placements may also require the student to maintain personal health insurance and/or to submit proof of a physical and immunization records. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student, thus resulting in her/his inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act may prevent the individual from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice in the field of therapeutic recreation.
Resume: Current professional resume required.
Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an accredited institution are considered for transfer into the M.S. in Recreational Therapy degree program. Such courses are reviewed by the M.S. Program Coordinator to determine whether they are equivalent to coursework offered at Temple and fulfill any degree requirements. The grade must be a "B" or better in order to transfer. The maximum number of credits that may be transferred into the M.S. program is 6. These credits must have been earned within five years of applying to the program.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate:
- 36 for those who hold NCTRC national certification (see Course Sequence A).
- 36 plus 6 credits of Recreational Therapy-specific leveling coursework for those without NCTRC national certification (see Course Sequence B). Note that other supportive coursework may be required to sit for the national credentialing examination for therapeutic recreation specialist certification. Specialization electives can be used to meet advanced certification from NCTRC after one year of full-time employment as a recreational therapist.
Required Courses:
Course Sequence A (for those with NCTRC national certification)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HRPR 5001 | Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions 1 | 0 |
| A1: Required Core Graduate Courses | ||
| RCTH 5001 | Graduate Research I in Recreational Therapy | 3 |
| RCTH 5102 | Recreational Therapy: Now and Then | 3 |
| RCTH 5301 | Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy I | 3 |
| RCTH 5302 | Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy II | 3 |
| RCTH 5311 | Conceptual and Contemporary Issues in Recreational Therapy | 3 |
| RCTH 5312 | Leisure, Health, and Recreational Therapy Interventions | 3 |
| RCTH 5402 | Recreational Therapy Administration and Management | 3 |
| RCTH 5442 | Program Planning and Practice in Recreational Therapy | 3 |
| A2: Electives | ||
| Select four of the following based on interests/needs: | 12 | |
| Teaching in Higher Education: Health Professions | ||
| Entrepreneurship in the Health Professions | ||
| Managing Dementia Care | ||
| Recreational Therapy and Assistive Technology | ||
| Recreational Therapy in Geriatric Services | ||
| Recreational Therapy & Physical Rehabilitation | ||
| Play and Development | ||
| Therapeutic Play, Recreation and Children's Health | ||
| Child Life Interventions | ||
| Special Topics in Recreational Therapy Practicum | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
| 1 | This common College Core course is required of all incoming graduate students in the College of Public Health. It is available completely online and designed such that students can complete the modules at their own pace over the course of their degree program. |
Course Sequence B (for those without NCTRC national certification)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HRPR 5001 | Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions 1 | 0 |
| B1: Required Leveling/Supportive Undergraduate Courses 2 | ||
| KINS 1223 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| PSY 2201 | Foundations of Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY 2301 | Foundations of Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| RCTH 3096 | Assessment and Documentation in Recreational Therapy | 3 |
| Additional credits in a variety of Health and Human Service content areas (e.g., medical terminology, public health, social work, sociology, etc.) | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| B2: Required Core Graduate Courses | ||
| RCTH 5001 | Graduate Research I in Recreational Therapy | 3 |
| RCTH 5102 | Recreational Therapy: Now and Then | 3 |
| RCTH 5301 | Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy I | 3 |
| RCTH 5302 | Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy II | 3 |
| RCTH 5311 | Conceptual and Contemporary Issues in Recreational Therapy | 3 |
| RCTH 5312 | Leisure, Health, and Recreational Therapy Interventions | 3 |
| RCTH 5402 | Recreational Therapy Administration and Management | 3 |
| RCTH 5442 | Program Planning and Practice in Recreational Therapy | 3 |
| RCTH 5787 | Recreational Therapy Practicum 3 | 3 |
| B3: Electives | ||
| Select three of the following based on interests/needs: | 9 | |
| Entrepreneurship in the Health Professions | ||
| Managing Dementia Care | ||
| Recreational Therapy and Assistive Technology | ||
| Recreational Therapy in Geriatric Services | ||
| Recreational Therapy & Physical Rehabilitation | ||
| Play and Development | ||
| Therapeutic Play, Recreation and Children's Health | ||
| Child Life Interventions | ||
| Special Topics in Recreational Therapy Practicum | ||
| Recreational Therapy and Disabilities Seminar I | ||
| Recreational Therapy and Disabilities Seminar II | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
| 1 | This common College Core course is required of all incoming graduate students in the College of Public Health. It is available completely online and designed such that students can complete the modules at their own pace over the course of their degree program. |
| 2 | Depending on one's undergraduate major, some requirements may have already been completed. These credits do not count toward the M.S. credit totals, but are needed in order to be eligible to sit for the NCTRC certification exam (see www.nctrc.org). The M.S. Program Coordinator reviews official transcript(s) and identifies any coursework needed. Any uncompleted requirements may be taken at an institution other than Temple University, with approval of the M.S. Program Coordinator. All required leveling/supportive undergraduate coursework must be completed by the time the student has accrued 15 credits in the M.S. program at Temple University. |
| 3 | RCTH 5787 Recreational Therapy Practicum is a 600-hour field placement experience under the supervision of a full-time Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) at an approved agency site. The student works with a faculty advisor in the selection of a site for this experience. RCTH 5787 is designed to meet NCTRC internship requirements for eligibility to sit for the NCTRC certification exam. |
Culminating Events: Successful completion of coursework constitutes the culminating event.
Courses
THRC 5009. Entrepreneurship in the Health Professions. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5101. Health, Activity and Aging. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5102. Orientation TR. 2 to 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5204. Recreation Therapy and Assistive Technology. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5205. RT Geriatric Services. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5211. Rec Th & Phys Rehab. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5212. Play and Development. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5213. Therapeutic Play, Recreation and Children's Health. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5214. Child Life Interventions. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5243. Managing Dementia Care. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5250. Special Topics in TR Practicum. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
THRC 5261. Therapeutic Recreation and Disabilities Seminar I. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5271. Therapeutic Recreation and Disabilities Seminar II. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5301. Evidence Based Practice in Recreation Therapy I. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5302. Evidence Based Practice in Recreation Therapy II. 2 to 3 Credit Hours.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Recreation Therapy.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5311. Conceptual and Contemporary Issues in Therapeutic Recreation. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5312. Leisure, Health, and Life Quality. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5382. Independent Study. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
THRC 5402. Recreation Therapy Administration and Management. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5442. Clinical Programming and Practice in Therapeutic Recreation. 3 Credit Hours.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Recreation Therapy.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 5787. Therapeutic Recreation Practicum. 3 to 9 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Master of Science.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
THRC 8133. Family Centered Care. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 8161. Methods in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) for Health. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
THRC 8280. Behavioral Change Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
THRC 9282. Readings and Conference for Therapeutic Recreation. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Therapeutic Recreation.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
THRC 9995. Master's Project in Therapeutic Recreation. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Therapeutic Recreation.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
Pre-requisites:
THRC 8102|Minimum Grade of B|May not be taken concurrently.
Contacts
Program Web Address:
https://cph.temple.edu/rs/msrt
Department Information:
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Recreational Therapy Program
1700 N. Broad Street, Suite 304
Philadelphia, PA 19121-3429
215-204-2366
Mailing Address for Application Materials:
Dept. of Rehabilitation Sciences/Recreational Therapy Program
1700 N. Broad St, Suite 304 (062-55)
Philadelphia, PA 19121-3429