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Recreational therapy is all about helping people improve their health and quality of life through creative, engaging activities. As holistic care becomes more popular, the need for skilled recreational therapists continues to grow. This article lists the top 10 master’s programs in Recreational Therapy in the U.S., giving a clear, to-the-point look at what each program offers and how it can help professionals advance in this rewarding field.
Why Recreational Therapy Is Under-Explored
Recreational therapy often flies under the radar. Yet, it plays a vital role in rehabilitation, mental health, and community wellness. Recreational therapists blend science and creativity using play, movement, art, and leisure to promote recovery and social connection.
Despite its importance, many students overlook this path simply because it’s less advertised. However, it offers a meaningful career with growing job opportunities and emotional rewards that go far beyond the paycheck.
Degree Overview
Duration: Typically 2 years
Certification: Prepares students for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through NCTRC
Common Coursework:
- Therapeutic recreation processes (APIE model)
- Assessment and program design
- Inclusive and adaptive recreation
- Research methods and evaluation
- Clinical practice and management
- Fieldwork, practicum, or internship
Format Options: Many programs offer online or hybrid formats for working professionals
Example Career Paths
- Recreational Therapist – Work with patients recovering from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities using evidence-based activities.
- Clinical Program Director – Lead therapeutic recreation departments in hospitals or rehabilitation centers.
- Community Inclusion Specialist – Develop and manage inclusive recreation programs for people with disabilities.
- Behavioral Health Therapist – Provide therapeutic recreation support in mental health and addiction recovery centers.
- Research or Teaching Roles – Contribute to academic programs, conduct clinical research, or mentor future therapists.
Growth Outlook / Industry Relevance
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Employment for recreational therapists is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034
- Around 1,300 new job openings are expected annually due to retirements and the expansion of therapeutic and community health programs.
- Demand is especially strong in:
- Geriatric care (as the aging population increases)
- Mental health and addiction services
- Rehabilitation and veterans’ care
- Inclusive community recreation initiatives
10 Master’s in Recreational Therapy
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Management – Therapeutic Recreation Concentration
- Length: 2 years (full-time)
- Tuition: $11,560 (in-state) / $30,704 (out-of-state)
- Format: On-campus program with thesis and non-thesis options
- Courses Include:
- Advanced Therapeutic Recreation and Leadership
- Statistics
- Electives or thesis
- Supervised field experience
- Standout Features:
- Prepares graduates for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification
- Offers a strong foundation in management and leadership for healthcare, rehabilitation, and community settings
Learn more: UT Knoxville – Therapeutic Recreation MS
University of Utah
Master of Science in Recreational Therapy
- Length: 2 years (full-time); flexible part-time options available
- Tuition: Approx. $6,121 per semester (resident) or $16,075 (non-resident) for nine credits
- Format: Primarily on-campus in Salt Lake City with select hybrid courses
- Courses Include:
- Integration of Theories and Trends in RT
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- RT Process in Health and Wellness
- Authentic Leadership and Management
- Group Counseling
- Standout Features:
- Individualized learning plans with thesis or project track options
- Prepares both entry-level and certified professionals for CTRS eligibility or advanced leadership roles
- Part of a top public research university focused on “More Health, Less Medicine”
Learn more: University of Utah – MS in Recreational Therapy
Indiana University (IU Online)
Master of Science in Recreation – Recreational Therapy
- Length: 2 years (full-time)
- Tuition: Varies by campus and residency; financial aid and scholarships are available
- Format: 100% online through IU Online; flexible and designed for working professionals
- Courses Include:
- Advanced Therapeutic Recreation Processes
- Program Development and Consultation in TR
- Social Psychology of TR
- Advanced Facilitation Techniques
- Administration Theory
- Standout Features:
- Fully online and NCTRC certification–eligible
- Focuses on therapeutic communication, intervention planning, and leadership in recreation services
- Personalized academic support and access to IU’s global alumni network
Learn more: Indiana University Online – MS in Recreational Therapy
Temple University
Master of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services
- Length: 2 years (full-time) or part-time option available
- Tuition: $1,204 per credit (in-state) / $1,649 per credit (out-of-state)
- Format: 100% online, combining live virtual sessions and self-paced coursework
- Courses Include:
- Evidence-Based Recreation Therapy
- Program Design and Evaluation
- Assessment and Intervention Planning
- Specialization Electives (Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, At-Risk Youth)
- Standout Features:
- One of the oldest and most respected recreational therapy programs in the U.S.
- Open to students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds
- Prepares students for national certification (CTRS eligibility)
Learn more: Temple University – MS in Recreational Therapy
Texas State University
Master of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services – Major in Recreational Therapy
- Length: 2 years (full-time)
- Tuition: $16,380 per year
- Format: On-campus in San Marcos, TX; thesis and non-thesis options available
- Courses Include:
- Advanced Recreational Therapy Processes
- Program Development and Evaluation
- Clinical Practice and Documentation
- Independent Study or Thesis
- Standout Features:
- Emphasizes advanced clinical, leadership, and research skills
- Offers opportunities for collaboration with healthcare and community organizations
- Prepares graduates for CTRS certification and management roles
- Home to the World Leisure Center of Excellence for global learning and innovation
Learn more: TXST– MS in Recreation & Leisure Services (Recreational Therapy)
Oklahoma State University
Master’s in Recreation Management and Recreational Therapy
- Length: 2 years (full-time)
- Tuition: $233.80 per credit hour (resident) / $879.75 per credit hour (non-resident)
- Format: On-campus at Stillwater, OK; thesis and non-thesis options offered
- Courses Include:
- Recreational Therapy & Geriatrics
- RT for Physical Disabilities
- RT for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities
- Advanced Methods in TR
- Standout Features:
- Two areas of emphasis: Recreational Therapy or Recreation Management
- Strong focus on clinical and community-based practice
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary research in areas like Parkinson’s disease and veteran rehabilitation
- Eligible for CTRS certification through NCTRC
Learn more: OKState– MS in Recreation Management and Recreational Therapy
University of Wisconsin
Master of Science in Recreational Therapy
- Length: 2 years (full-time; rolling admissions)
- Tuition: $655 per credit (resident) / $1,279 per credit (non-resident)
- Format: Fully in-person; offers three tracks — Entry-Level, Advanced Clinical, and Dual Degree
- Courses Include:
- Philosophical Foundations of Leisure
- Foundations in Recreational Therapy
- Research Methods for Recreation, Parks, and Leisure
- Standout Features:
- Offers both entry-level and advanced tracks for different academic backgrounds
- High CTRS exam pass rate and strong clinical partnerships
- Opportunities for graduate assistantships and interprofessional research through the Health Science Interprofessional Research Center (HSIRC)
Learn more: UW–La Crosse – MS in Recreational Therapy
University of Toledo
Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies – Recreation Therapy
- Length: 2 years
- Tuition: $8,766 per year (in-state) / $14,854.08 per year (out-of-state)
- Format: Hybrid (on-campus and online classes with a required 14-week, 560-hour internship)
- Courses Include:
- Leisure And Popular Culture
- Issues And Trends In Recreation/Recreational Therapy
- Physical and Neurological Diagnosis and Conditions in Recreational Therapy Practice
- Standout Features:
- 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation
- Eligible for CTRS certification through NCTRC
- Strong emphasis on experiential learning and professional networking
- Access to the Recreation Therapy Club and annual UToledo RT Conference
Learn more: University of Toledo – MA in Recreation and Leisure Studies (Recreation Therapy)
Northwest Missouri State University
Master of Science in Recreation with an Emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation
- Length: 12 months
- Tuition: $12,210 total ($407 per credit hour, same for in-state and out-of-state)
- Format: 100% online, accelerated format with multiple start dates per year
- Courses Include:
- Strength-Based Practices and Interventions
- Psychological Theories in Recreational Therapy
- Data Analytics, Risk Management
- Standout Features:
- Highly qualified faculty—no graduate assistants teaching courses
- Optional CTRS exam preparation (may require 15 extra credits + 560-hour internship)
- Flexible pacing; ideal for both clinical and non-clinical career paths
Learn more: NW Missouri – MS in Recreation (Therapeutic Recreation)
State University of New York – Cortland
Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation
- Length: 2 years
- Tuition: $13,114 per (resident) / $25,104 per year (non-resident)
- Format: Available on-campus or fully online; includes an internship in a clinical or community-based setting
- Courses Include:
- Therapeutic Recreation Theory and Practice
- Inclusive Recreation
- Research Methods
- Advanced Facilitation Techniques
- Leadership in TR
- Standout Features:
- Prepares students for the CTRS credential
- Inclusive Recreation Resource Center (IRRC) offers hands-on research on accessibility and inclusion
- Small, student-centered classes with nationally recognized faculty
- Online certificate option for professionals seeking CTRS eligibility
Learn more: SUNY Cortland – MS in Therapeutic Recreation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a master’s in recreational therapy take?
Most programs take about 2 years of full-time study, though some online or accelerated options may be shorter.
What certification can I earn?
Graduates are eligible for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Can I study recreational therapy online?
Yes. Many programs offer fully online, hybrid, or flexible formats, ideal for working professionals.
What kind of coursework is included?
Typical courses cover:
- Therapeutic recreation processes (APIE model)
- Assessment and program design
- Inclusive and adaptive recreation
- Clinical practice and management
- Research methods and evaluation
- Fieldwork, practicum, or internships
What careers can I pursue with this degree?
- Recreational Therapist
- Clinical Program Director
- Community Inclusion Specialist
- Behavioral Health Therapist
- Academic or research roles
Do I need a specific bachelor’s degree to apply?
While many programs prefer a background in recreation, health sciences, or psychology, some accept students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Are there opportunities for leadership or research?
Yes. Many master’s programs include coursework or tracks in management, administration, and research, preparing graduates for leadership roles or academic careers.
