Recreational Therapy

Website: www.health.utah.edu/occupational-recreational-therapies

520 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Phone: 801-585-0555

The Master's of Science in Recreational Therapy (MS in RT) at the University of Utah provides and individualized, innovative, and progressive education that enables students to enhance their personal and professional knowledge and skill set while developing into leaders in the recreational therapy profession. Focusing on evidence-based practices, the MS in RT trains students to use a comprehensive, individualized, and systematic approach to health and wellness to emphasize prevention, rehabilitation, and health maintenance through activity-based interventions.

All applicants to the Master of Science in RT will have:

1. a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;

2. an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or an average of at least 0 for no less than 9 semester credits of graduate study;

3. a written statement of purpose that addresses the question: “Why am I seeking a master's degree in recreational therapy?”;

4. a scholarly writing sample of no more than three pages, certain to include citations for any references used in the paper;

5. two letters of recommendation from persons who can attest to the applicant's academic competence or ability to succeed at a graduate level;

6. a resume that summaries background and experience;

7. completed a graduate school application, paid fees, and submitted official transcript; and

8. meet the performance requirement of the Graduate School TOEFL, if applicant is an international

If an applicant does not currently hold national certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), the following prerequisites will need to be completed with a C or better prior to making application:

1. Human growth and development across the lifespan (min. 3 credit hours);

2. Abnormal psychology (min. 3 credit hours);

3. Anatomy (min. 3 credit hours);

4. Physiology (min. 3 credit hours);

5. A minimum of 100 hours of documented experience working with individuals with disabilities. This experience must be direct client/participant services through employment or volunteer.

Recommended Courses:

1. Kinesiology (biomechanics) and

2. Basic Statistics

The RT program only accepts Fall admissions. Graduate applications must be received by March 1. An interview may be required during the application review process. Applicants will be notified by May 15th of admission status.