Recreational Therapy MS Curriculum
The Master of Science in Recreational Therapy includes 36-39 academic credits organized to include both a recreational therapy and research core, elective coursework, and either a culminating thesis or practicum/project. Classes are held in person at the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City.
Individualized curriculum plans are determined based on each student’s background and career goals. Those interested in careers involving research or higher education are typically encouraged to select the thesis option of coursework, while students with career aspirations focused on advanced clinical practice, management, consulting, entrepreneurial endeavors, program development, and/or interprofessional leadership typically follow the non-thesis option of coursework. Options are available for both full and part-time study.
Note: Students with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline who wish to use the MS in RT for entry into the profession will have additional requirements in order to meet eligibility requirements for national certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification and licensure in the State of Utah.
Students with a BS in Recreational Therapy
Recreational Therapy Core - 18 Credits
- RECTH 6500 - Integration of Theories and Trends in RT
- RECTH 6510 - Analysis of Activity and Clinical Reasoning
- RECTH 6520 - Advanced Clinical Practice in an Integrated Health System
- RECTH 6530 - RT Process in the Promotion of Health and Wellness
- RECTH 6540 - Authentic Leadership and Management in RT
- ED PS 6350 - Group Counseling Theory and Application
Thesis Option - 12 Credits
- PRT 7102 - Intro to Research Methods
- PRT 7103 - Design and Analysis I1
- RECTH 6970 - Thesis Research (6 cr. min)
Non-thesis Option - 12 Credits
- RECTH 6000 - Research I
- OC TH 6110 - Research II
- RECTH 6900 - Practicum Project Development
- RECTH 6910 - Practicum Project Implementation
Students without a BS in Recreational Therapy
Recreational Therapy Core - 18 Credits
- RECTH 6500 - Integration of Theories and Trends in RT
- RECTH 6510 - Analysis of Activity and Clinical Reasoning
- RECTH 6520 - Advanced Clinical Practice in an Integrated Health System
- RECTH 6530 - RT Process in the Promotion of Health and Wellness
- RECTH 6540 - Authentic Leadership and Management in RT
- ED PS 6350 - Group Counseling Theory and Application
Leveling Courses - 14 Credits
- RECTH 6330 - Foundations of Recreational Therapy
- RECTH 6360 - Assessment, Documentation, and Evaluation in Recreational Therapy
- RECTH 5360 - Techniques and Facilitation in Recreational Therapy
- RECTH 5828 - Recreational Therapy Internship
These courses are added to the academic plan of students who need to acquire sufficient Recreational Therapy coursework to meet requirements for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and Utah State license.
Non-thesis Option - 12 Credits
- RECTH 6000 - Research I
- OC TH 6110 - Research II
- RECTH 6900 - Practicum Project Development
- RECTH 6910 - Prac-Project Implement
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