Recreational Therapy (M.S.R.L.S.)
M.S.R.L.S. Recreational Therapy
Program Overview
As the only recreational therapy program in the state, students have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals in a variety of settings, such as adapted sports programs, healthcare agencies, and community based programs. Graduates consistently pass the national certification exam at a rate that exceeds the national average.
Course Work
Students pursuing this degree to develop eligibility to sit for the national certification examination follow a sequenced curriculum building from knowledge of theory and techniques, service-learning where they practice applying this knowledge, and culminating with a dynamic internship placement with a practicing recreational therapist. For students already eligible for certification and seeking advanced study in recreational therapy, a thesis option is available where students will work with faculty to complete a research project as a culminating experience.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S.R.L.S. | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.S.R.L.S. | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Program Details
Students in each cohort include people with different backgrounds and career goals. This cohort environment contributes to collaborative peer learning and the development of lifelong professional affiliations.
Program Mission
The program in recreational therapy, prepares graduates to apply the theory and technique of using activity-based interventions as part of a systematic education or rehabilitation process. Students will develop professional competency grounded in evidence-based practices and experiential learning, appropriate for attaining the state and national certifications required for practice. The breadth of studies will prepare students to work in diverse settings supporting persons with a variety of disabling conditions.
Career Options
Recreational therapy is an allied health profession that contributes to a broad scope of healthcare needs. Using experiential activities, the recreational therapist contributes to goals for improved functioning, prevention of secondary health conditions and enhanced living. Graduates work in treatment and residential facilities, community agencies and other agencies promoting the quality of life for persons with disabling conditions.
Program Faculty
Faculty in recreational therapy hold the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential and participate regularly in professional organizations and continuing education forums. Research interests include efficacy studies related to a variety of interventions along with current work in adaptive sports, resiliency in youth, and therapeutic outdoor experiences. Their scope of research spans both facility and community-based programming and supports the inclusion of persons with disabling conditions in meaningful leisure experiences. Faculty proactively research collaboratively with students, leading to frequent co-presentations and publications.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Jan Hodges
jh223@txstate.edu
512.245.7482
Jowers Center (JOW), Room A173
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall - Priority | U.S. Citizen February 1 | International February 1 |
Deadlines Fall - Standard | U.S. Citizen June 15 (*Flexible) | International June 1 |
*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
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Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- background courses required in:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) addressing the following:
- What experiences have led you to pursue graduate studies in therapeutic recreation?
- What qualities, values, characteristics do you possess that will enable you to meet the academic rigors of graduate education?
- What are your career goals relating to obtaining a master’s degree?
Review important information about documents.
- statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) addressing the following: