The fully online Master of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies is designed to prepare students for supervision, administration, and management of recreation programs and facilities. Areas of specialization include Recreation Therapy or Recreation Administration.
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.
Program Features
- Completely online program that allows students flexibility while maintaining a comprehensive curriculum.
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Opportunities.
- Professional Development and Certification Preparation: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS - Recreation Therapy students) or Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP - Recreation Administration students).
- Practicum experiences with clinical and community-based organizations.
- Capstone experience: Comprehensive Exam (Recreation Therapy). Special Project or Thesis (Recreation Administration).
- Tuition break: For those who reside in any New England state as well as NY, NJ, and PA, pay a reduced out-of-state tuition.
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.
Students graduating from the program will:
- Demonstrate an ability to incorporate research and evaluation methods and practices to improve recreation & leisure services.
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the cultural, economic, social, environmental, and physiological aspects of the profession, and how these issues impact the provision of experiences which may include but is not limited to: leisure behavior, societal issues and trends, philosophy, social equity, diversity, conservation, public policy/governance.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of supervision, leadership, and management philosophies, communication, and administrative practices associated with strategic planning and decision-making in the delivery of services.
- Demonstrate, the ability to integrate their education into professional practice (research and/or applied) through one of the following methods: A thesis/special project/comprehensive exam and/or, comprehensive internship experience.
- Demonstrate an advanced ability to assess, plan, implement, document, and evaluate recreation therapy services that facilitate targeted outcomes in an ethical manner for both individuals and groups. (Recreation Therapy Concentration only)
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of operations management/administration which may include but is not limited to: master/comprehensive planning, marketing, finance, law, risk management, technology, policy development, facility, and human resource management. (Recreation Administration)
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the preeminent Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management program in the region.
Our Mission
To facilitate student-centered success through learning and leadership development incorporating innovative teaching strategies that integrate relevant research, community service, and a practitioner perspective gained through experiential learning opportunities and connections leading to careers in recreation, tourism, sport, and related professions.
Values
The Department of Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management values:
- Personal and Professional Excellence
- Student-Centered Approach
- Practical Service-Based Learning
- Collaborative Community Relationships
- Inclusive, Diverse Environment
Concentrations
Recreation and Leisure Studies, M.S. - Recreation Therapy (Hybrid or Online)
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.
Recreation and Leisure Studies, M.S. - Recreation Administration (Hybrid or Online)
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.
Recreation and Leisure Studies, M.S. - Child Life (Hybrid or Online)
Children today confront various stressful and potentially traumatic events that may overwhelm their natural ability to cope and heal. Child Life Specialists are trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life's most challenging moments. Armed with a strong background in child development and family systems, Child Life Specialists promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. They provide emotional support for families and encourage the optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. The Child Life Specialist concentration introduces the history, philosophy, theories, and concepts relating to child life services. The role of a child life specialist as a member of the healthcare team is examined.
Careers / Pathways
Recreation Therapy
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 Recreation Therapy 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.
Recreation Administration
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 go 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.
Institute for Adapted Sports and Recreation
The Institute for Adapted Sports and Recreation provides programs for individuals with various disabilities. Through the institute, we also offer recreational therapy to individuals with disabilities living in the community. We have partnered with local organizations, where graduate students facilitate leisure activities as a way for clients to develop social skills.
School / College
College of Health & Human Services
Department
Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management
Contact
Dr. Tarah Loy-Ashe (Recreation Therapy)
Dr. Joseph Milone (Recreation Administration)