Students gain classroom instruction from experienced faculty from each of these industries, and they also develop practical experience in their fields of study as part of the curriculum.
Beyond the core and specialization-related classes, students can take to take a practicum-based course to gain career-related experience. The curriculum is also individualized and structured to meet the needs of students who are working full-time by offering courses mostly in the evenings or on weekends using both traditional and hybrid formats.
The curriculum is competency-based with a strong emphasis on the professional skills necessary to be an effective manager or service provider. A combination of didactic coursework, practicum experiences, and independent study activities provides students with a broad array of learning experiences to further their professional development. Elective courses are approved in order to best serve the academic and professional interests of the students.
The normal sequence for completion of a master’s degree program is four consecutive terms of classwork in addition to the completion of a special project, thesis, or comprehensive exam.
This specialization is designed to prepare students for supervision, administration, and management of recreation organizations, programs, and facilities. Students graduating from this program are eligible to sit for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification exam.
The Master of Science degree program in recreation and leisure studies is designed to prepare students for supervision, administration, and management of recreation programs and facilities.
The specialization program in recreation therapy can be designed to meet the certification requirements of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The specialization in Recreation Administration prepares students for advanced careers in the field of parks, recreation, and tourism.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,300 openings for recreational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. According to the Economic Development Employer Planning System report, there is an average of 20 new TR jobs each year in Connecticut. Currently, we do not graduate this many students to meet this need.
Students graduating from the Therapeutic Recreation program have obtained positions as recreation therapists at the West Haven V.A., Hospital for Special Care, Gaylord Hospital, Guilford House, Department of Mental Health and Addictions, and Department of Family and Children.
Employment of entertainment and recreation managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings for entertainment and recreation managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment growth will stem from public interest in recreational activities, such as golf and tennis. In addition, an increased emphasis on the importance of lifelong well-being is expected to create demand for entertainment and recreation managers in a variety of settings, including country clubs, fitness centers, and parks.
Examples of positions our recent graduates in the Recreation Administration concentration have obtained include Park Supervisor with CT State Park and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, Recreation Supervisors and Coordinators in New Britain Parks, Rocky Hill, Meriden, and many more. In addition, students of on to careers in non-profit organizations such as the YMCA of New Canaan, youth sports organizations, and Boys & Girls Clubs. Graduates have also entered careers in College Campus Recreation programs.
School / College
College of Health & Human Services
Department
Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management
Contact
Dr. Joseph Milone