Therapeutic Recreation (M.S.R.L.S.)

M.S.R.L.S. Therapeutic Recreation

Recreation therapists apply theory and practice of therapeutic recreation to support the health-related quality of life of persons with disabilities.
people

Program Overview

As the only therapeutic recreation 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 therapeutic recreation, a thesis option is available where students will work with faculty to complete a research project as a culminating experience.

DegreeHoursThesis OptionMinor Option
Degree
M.S.R.L.S.
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Degree
M.S.R.L.S.
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
No minor

What Our Alumni Say

“The TR program provided me with endless opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experiences in multiple settings and populations of people to work with. The faculty gave me the best resources and pushed me to be the best rec therapist possible.ˮ

— Natalie Klinsky, M.S.R.L.S ’19

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 therapeutic recreation, also known as 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

Therapeutic recreation 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 therapeutic recreation 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 The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Jan Hodges
jh223@txstate.edu
512.245.7482
Jowers Center (JOW), Room A173

Co-Advisor
Dr. Anthony Deringer
AnthonyD@txstate.edu
512.245.8072

Texas

Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?

Application Deadlines

DeadlinesU.S. CitizenInternational
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.

Funding Information
Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding.

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.

  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee
      OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

    • 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
    • minimum 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

    Effective Fall 2024

    • 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.

  • 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.

    • 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.

Ready to Apply?

Need More Info?