Program Overview

Overview of the Recreation and Leisure Studies Program

The University of Toledo is the best place in Ohio to earn a master's degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, offering a unique Recreation Therapy concentration.

Recreation Therapy Concentration

• Students often come to the program directly from their bachelor's degree programs or as employees of rehabilitation, healthcare, or other specialized professions serving individuals with disabilities.
• The program offers both on-campus and online classes.
• A required 14-week, 560-hour internship is part of the curriculum.
• Upon earning their M.A., students are eligible to apply for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification exam administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Top Reasons to Study Recreation and Leisure Studies (Recreation Therapy)

1. Perfect Job Placement Rate: 100% of UToledo graduates who earn a masters degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a concentration in Recreation Therapy find jobs in the field within six months of graduation.
2. Experiential Learning:

• Required clinical rotations and intervention skills courses allow students to acquire and practice professional skills to use on-the-job.
• A comprehensive capstone internship prepares students for full-time employment.
• Research and community outreach opportunities are available.

3. Experienced Faculty: Teach a comprehensive curriculum in Recreation Therapy and have expertise in a variety of techniques.
4. Network: Join UToledo's active Recreation Therapy Club, which helps organize the annual UToledo Recreation Therapy Conference.

Faculty Expertise

UToledo's faculty members in the Recreation Therapy concentration graduate program have a wide range of expertise in the field, including:

• Working in the field with a variety of populations.
• Presenting at international, national, and regional conferences.
• Publishing in professional journals.
• Sitting on recreation therapy-related state and local boards.
• Being certified in recreation therapy techniques, from cardio drumming to dementia care.

Career Opportunities

The job placement rate for UToledo graduates with masters degrees in the Recreation Therapy concentration is 100% within six months of graduation. Students typically pursue doctoral degrees or positions in:

• Camps for individuals with disabilities.
• Centers for intellectual deficit/developmental disabilities.
• Community recreation for individuals with disabilities.
• Geriatric services.
• Pediatric services.
• Physical rehabilitation.
• Psychiatric rehabilitation.

Alumni of UToledo's master's program in Recreation and Leisure Studies have been hired by various organizations, including:

• Harborside Health Care of Perrysburg, Ohio.
• Kingston Care Center of Sylvania, Ohio.
• Nationwide Childrens Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
• Rosa Morgan Adult Day Care, Toledo, Ohio.
• The Ability Center of Northwest Ohio, Toledo, Ohio.
• The University of Toledo Medical Center.