Master's in Recreational Therapy

The Master’s in Recreational Therapy Program at UNCG prepares students to enter professional practice as licensed recreational therapists in active treatment, leisure education, transitional treatment, and community-based leisure service delivery systems. They may be in psychiatric, rehabilitation, geriatric, corrections, schools, long-term care, adult day care, community inclusion, and pediatric and child life medical settings.

The program is consistent with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification and the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure standards.

the master’s in recreational Therapy Program Distinctions

Students in the Master’s in Recreational Therapy Program at UNCG will have small class sizes taught by credentialed faculty. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT).

The graduate recreational Therapy Student Experience

All graduate students are eligible to compete for graduate assistantships and a limited number of tuition waivers. This is a 36 credit hour, on-campus program. Students will benefit from:

•  Directed, practical experience in approved recreation and parks agencies.
• Choosing a thesis or non-thesis option.
  • The non-thesis option may include a project, an internship, or a combination.

After Graduating with your master’s in recreational Therapy

Graduates of the program can work with people who have:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple sclerosis
• Amputations
• Mental illnesses
• Developmental disabilities
• Cerebral palsy
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Spina bifida

Applying to the graduate Recreational Therapy Program

Interested students should apply to the UNCG Graduate School. Requirements to apply to this degree include:

• An undergraduate GPA of 3.00
• Current resume
• Professional statement including career goals, and three references
• Interviews are encouraged for all applicants, and required for graduate assistants

Based on experience, recommendations, and interviews, a provisional admission may be granted. Upon completion of 6 to 9 credits with a B grade or better, a provisionally admitted student may be granted full graduate standing.

Students in the Recreational Therapy concentration who do not have an undergraduate degree in Recreation and Parks will be required to take one additional undergraduate RT course (CTR 231 or 235), in order to complete the 6 required RT courses (18 credits) necessary to apply for professional certification and licensure. There are no undergraduate prerequisite courses in the CRM concentration.