Graduate Programs

Overview

The University of Toledo is the best place in Ohio to earn a master's degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies. We are the only university in the state to offer a Recreation Therapy concentration. 

Recreation Therapy concentration 

• Students often come to us directly from their bachelor's degree programs or as employees of rehabilitation, health care or other specialized professions serving individuals with disabilities. 
• On-campus and online classes 
• Required 14-week, 560-hour internship 
• Eligible to apply for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification exam administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) after earning your M.A. 

Top Reasons to Study recreation and leisure studies (recreation therapy) at UToledo

1. Perfect job placement rate.

   100% of UToledo graduates who earn a master’s 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 — acquire and practice professional skills to use on-the-job. 
   • Comprehensive capstone internship — prepare for full-time employment. 
   • Research and community outreach opportunities 
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. 

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

Our faculty members: 

• Have worked in the field with a variety of populations 
• Present at international, national and regional conferences 
• Publish in professional journals 
• Sit on recreation therapy-related state and local boards 
• Are certified in recreation therapy techniques, from cardio drumming to dementia care 

What jobs can I get with a recreation and leisure studies (recreation therapy) degree?

The job placement rate for UToledo graduates with master’s 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: 

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