Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation Online

Accelerate your path to professional certification through this flexible online program that emphasizes an evidence-based approach to helping clients live healthier, more independent lives.

Apply by: 1/5/26
Start class: 1/12/26 Apply Now Apply Now

Program Overview

Gain advanced clinical expertise through this online master’s in therapeutic recreation program

Gain hands-on experience with assessment, treatment planning and strength-based interventions through the online Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation program. Designed to prepare you for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam, this affordable online program examines psychological frameworks and a strength-based approach to practice that enables you to improve the physical well-being of your clients.

Learn from supportive faculty who leverage their extensive industry connections to help you build a strong professional network and connect with internships or full-time job opportunities. Curriculum for this master’s in therapeutic recreation aligns with the daily responsibilities of current practitioners—including grant writing, risk management and advocacy—so you can lead a thriving practice in this people-focused field.

Graduates of this online therapeutic recreation program will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of therapeutic recreation
  • Conceptualize, conduct and apply research to enhance professional practice
  • Apply advanced skills in the therapeutic recreation process, including assessment, treatment planning, program implementation, evaluation and documentation
  • Effectively perform managerial and administrative responsibilities as a professional leader in the field
  • Advocate for the therapeutic recreation profession and for the individuals and communities it serves
Graduates of this online therapeutic recreation program will:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of therapeutic recreation
  • Conceptualize, conduct and apply research to enhance professional practice
  • Apply advanced skills in the therapeutic recreation process, including assessment, treatment planning, program implementation, evaluation and documentation
  • Effectively perform managerial and administrative responsibilities as a professional leader in the field
  • Advocate for the therapeutic recreation profession and for the individuals and communities it serves

Therapeutic recreation career opportunities include:

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Life Enrichment Coordinator
  • Inclusion Specialist
  • Special Recreation Coordinator
  • Adaptive Sports Manager
Therapeutic recreation career opportunities include:
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Life Enrichment Coordinator
  • Inclusion Specialist
  • Special Recreation Coordinator
  • Adaptive Sports Manager

Also available:

Northwest offers a variety of specialized online graduate studies program options. Check out our other online graduate studies programs.

Total Tuition $12,210*
Program Duration As few as 12 months
Credit Hours 30

Accreditation:

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Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Need More Information?

Call 844-890-9304

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Tuition

Save money on your education with our highly competitive tuition

Our M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
M.S. Therapeutic Recreation $407 $1,221 $12,210

Important Refund Information

2nd day of class Last date for 100% refund for dropped course
4th day of class Last date for 75% refund for dropped course
6th day of class Last date for 50% refund for dropped course
8th day of class Last date for 25% refund for dropped course

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $12,210*
Per Credit Hour $407

Calendar

Don’t forget these important dates and deadlines

Northwest online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working students, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.

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TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 11/12/261/5/261/6/261/7/261/8/262/27/26
Spring 23/9/262/20/262/25/262/27/263/3/264/24/26
Summer 15/11/264/27/264/30/265/4/265/6/266/26/26
Summer 26/29/266/12/266/17/266/22/266/24/268/14/26

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date: 1/5/26
Next Class Start Date: 1/12/26
Ready to take the next steps toward

earning your degree?

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Admissions

Gather the application materials for your online master’s in therapeutic recreation

At Northwest, we've streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation online, including what additional materials you need and where you should send them.

View all admission requirements +

To apply for this program, you must meet these requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses (3 credits minimum for each course):
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology (or Human Development)
    • Anatomy and Physiology (together or separate courses)
  • Applicants who have not completed the prerequisite courses prior to program entry are required to successfully complete the remaining deficiencies during their program of study. These three courses are required by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification for national certification as a CTRS. Students must submit a program of study that includes these three courses to the program director during their first semester in the program.

Official transcripts can be emailed to [email protected]. To submit official documents by mail, send them to:

Graduate Records Specialist
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001

Have a question? Call us at 844-890-9304.

Click here for State Authorization information.


Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited institution
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale

Courses

Browse the key concepts covered in the master’s in therapeutic recreation online coursework

For the M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation online, the curriculum is comprised of 10 courses (30 credit hours), including 24 credit hours of required courses and six credit hours of elective courses.

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to familiarize students with existing trends in therapeutic recreation programming, to discuss current legal issues, current societal attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, trends within the healthcare delivery system and other current trends and issues related to therapeutic recreation.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to general managerial functions and useful theories in administration of Therapeutic Recreation programs. Major topics include financial management, personnel (including volunteers and interns) management, quality improvement, and marketing.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed for graduate-/advanced-level students studying Therapeutic Recreation. In Psychological Aspects of Therapeutic Recreation, various psychology-based theories and frameworks relevant to the application of therapeutic recreation practice and interventions will be explored. Students will develop a detailed understanding of presented theories and apply this knowledge as they develop therapeutic recreation interventions that are intended to enhance the psychological well-being of clients.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course will provide an overview of (1) the basic concepts associated with psychometric assessment, (2) a variety of individual client assessments used in practice and (3) the use of therapeutic recreation assessments in the development of individualized treatment/program plans. Prerequisite(s): REC 45243 or REC 45345 or REC 45621 or permission of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers students opportunities to explore how to strengthen the quality of therapeutic recreation programming through grounding in recreational theories and concepts. Students will learn how to better design recreational experiences, increase participation rates, document outcomes, and assess the strengths and limitations of their clients. Course content will expand on basic programming concepts and include higher level, philosophical and critical thinking of how to best meet the needs of the persons served while providing them with what they want.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course is designed to promote the exploration of therapeutic recreation practice from a strengths-based approach. Practice models, theories, and the therapeutic recreation process will be examined from the strengths perspective. Implications related to a paradigm shift from traditional medical models toward the strengths approach will be explored. Practical application will be the focus of discussion assignments, weekly written assignments, and exams. Students will also examine implications for their own professional development, their personal philosophy for practice, and future professional goals.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to present-day methods and techniques of research, applicable to the fields of health, physical education and recreation.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic foundation of data analysis covering descriptive and inferential statistics and how to use these to improve practice and research and to appropriately assess findings. Covers both parametric and nonparametric applications to the health, physical education, recreation and dance fields.

Select two courses (6 credit hours) from any of the following options. Students Seeking national certification as a C.T.R.S. may be required to complete internship to be eligibible for certification. Refer to N.C.T.R.C guideliness for certification requirement details. 

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Acquaints students with the vocabulary, concept and practices in the study of grants administration and management. Enables practicing the skills necessary in obtaining outside funding and provides awareness of the individual roles and agencies within public funding.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to give students a basic understanding of their legal responsibilities as teachers, coaches, trainers and recreation professionals to provide a safe environment for those they serve and to develop an understanding of the law and how it may apply to the rights of students, special populations, women and coworkers.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge regarding the Therapeutic Recreation profession to those who are transitioning into the profession from other fields of study. The course content consists of an overview of therapeutic recreation concepts, philosophies, techniques, and areas of practice. Strategies for professional development and associated credentialing requirements are introduced, as well as various other vocational resources such as professional organizations and associated CEU mechanisms. Through this course, students will become better positioned to excel as a therapeutic recreation professional.
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1-3
Supervised off-campus professional field experience in appropriate agencies or other approved settings. Available in emphasis areas: park/recreation administration, recreational sports administration, therapeutic recreation, campus recreation, armed forces recreation, outdoor recreation, and resource management.

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