Recreation and Leisure Studies, M.S. - Recreation Administration

For further information: RecreationAndLeisureGrad@southernct.edu

Application Deadline

Rolling admissions

The Master of Science degree program in recreation and leisure studies is designed to prepare students for supervision, administration, and management of recreation programs and facilities. Areas of specialization are: Recreation Therapy or Recreation Administration.

The specialization program in recreation therapy can be designed to meet certification requirements of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The specialization in Recreation Administration prepares students for advanced careers in the field of parks, recreation, and tourism.

Beyond the core and specialization related classes, students are required to take a practicum based course to gain career related experience. The curriculum is also individualized and structured to meet the needs of students who are working full time by offering courses mostly in the evenings or on weekends using both traditional and hybrid formats.

The curriculum is competency based with a strong emphasis on the professional skills necessary to be an effective manager or service provider. A combination of didactic course work, practicum experiences, and independent study activities provides students with a broad array of learning experiences to further their professional development. Elective courses are approved in order to best serve the academic and professional interest of the students.

The normal sequence for completion of a master ’s degree program is four consecutive terms of classwork in addition to completion of a special project, thesis, or comprehensive exam.

Program Sequence - 30 credits

As sequencing changes, it is highly recommended that students meet with their program advisor to finalize a list of requirements for graduation.  

Core Courses (9 credits)

REC 574 — Park and Recreation Management - 3 credits
REC 575 — Operational Research in Recreation- 3 credits
REC 577 — Leadership Development - 3 credits

Recreation Administration Specialization (15-18 credits)

REC 533 — Socio-Leisure Needs of Individuals with Disabilities - 3 credits
REC 557 — Emerging Legal Issues in Recreation and Leisure - 3 credits 
REC 570 — Foundations of Leisure and Recreation - 3 credits
REC 572 — Planning and Development of Recreation Programs and Leisure - 3 credits
REC 573 — Seminar in Recreation and Administration - 3 credits
REC 576 — Designs of Park and Recreation Facilities - 3 credits
REC 583 – Practicum Experience – 3 credits (Advisor permission required) Pass/Fail only
REC 599 — Grantsmanship – 3 credits
REC 600 – Independent Study - 3 credits (Advisor permission required)
SMT 515 – Facility and Event Management – 3 credits
Students may select course(s) in other departments at the 500 level (Advisor permission required)

Capstone Requirement (3-6 credits)

Special Project

REC 588 – Special Project (3 credits). Students complete a special project, under the advisement of a faculty member.  The nature and scope of the Special Project is determined in consultation with the graduate coordinator and will incorporate course materials applied to an area of interest to the student. The project results are prepared and presented as a deliverable product.

Thesis

In lieu of the Special Project, select students may opt to complete a six credit (6) Thesis.  The thesis option is intended for highly motivated students who plan to acquire an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in order to teach in a college or university, pursue a career in recreation and leisure research, or to be eligible for higher level state and federal administrative positions. Students take Thesis Seminar I (REC 590, 3 credits) in place of REC 588, and Thesis Seminar II (REC 591, 3 credits) in place of one (1) select administration specialization course. Thesis I includes the development of a thesis proposal and must be completed before registering for Thesis II.