MS in Recreational Therapy

The Highest Standards in Public Health Education within Your Reach

As a student in the online recreational therapy major, you will learn a variety of theories and techniques to treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of your clients. You will also build the necessary skills to assess the needs of individuals, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs, and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions.

The IU School of Public Health-Bloomington is known nationally and internationally for the quality of its graduate programs. In this two-year* program, you will:

  • Gain a foundation in the philosophy of leisure and recreation; administration theory and management practices;
  • Learn best practices for conducting research in health, kinesiology, and recreation;
  • Engage in class practica, projects, internships, and field experiences;
  • Learn how to execute the recreational therapy process (APIE); and
  • Acquire program development, consultation skills, and advanced recreational therapy techniques.

The program will prepare you to sit for the Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination, as well as a career in client care services, department supervision, or service lines. Plus, our Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation means that after graduation you’ll have an advantage in securing the best jobs in public health.

All coursework is available 100% online and is accessible anywhere with internet access, meaning you do not have to put your career on hold to pursue graduate education.

*Program can be completed in two years if attending full time.

Do you have any questions about our graduate programs? Schedule a call with our Program Director.