Therapeutic Recreation, M.S.

CIP: 512309

 The M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation is composed of courses that foster the development of advanced skill sets among therapeutic recreation professionals. The curriculum is also designed to create a pathway to certification for professionals who desire to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (C.T.R.S.). Program completion does not guarantee C.T.R.S. certification exam eligibility. Students should review official guidelines published by the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification to ensure they meet all requirements, including the required completion of three “unspecified support courses” that are not part of the MS in Therapeutic Recreation program. 

Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following:

1. An understanding of theoretical and philosophical foundations of the profession.
2. The ability to conceptualize, conduct and apply research to professional practice. 
3. Advanced skills in application of the therapeutic recreation process. 
4. The ability to effectively conduct managerial and administrative responsibilities as a professsional leader. 
5. The ability to effectively advocate for the profession and those served.

Program admission requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
2. Completion of the following prerequisite courses (3 credits minimum for each course):
   • Abnormal Psychology. 
   • Developmental Psychology (or Human Development).
   • Anatomy and Physiology (together or separate courses). 
3. Applicants  who have not completed the prerequisite courses prior to program entry are required to successfully complete the remaining deficiencies during their program of study.  These three courses are required by N.C.T.R.C for national certification as a C.T.R.S. Students must submit a program of study that includes these three courses to the program director during their first semester in the program. 

M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation program completion requirements:

• Completion of an approved plan of study.
• Overall grade point average must be 3.00 (“B”) or above in the major study area.
• All graduate coursework taken at Northwest must average 3.00 or above, with no hours of “D” or “F”. 
• Completion of research project and submittal of research component form.