Recreation Sciences, MS

Program Coordinator: Clifton Watts (1409 Carol G. Belk Building; 252-737-2426; wattsc@ecu.edu)

The Department of Recreation Sciences offers a master of science in recreation sciences with two concentrations – recreation and park administration (RPA) and recreational therapy administration (RTA).The program is designed for individuals employed in or seeking employment in a diverse range of settings. The concentration in recreation and park administration prepares students for positions in multiple settings including community parks and recreation, recreation resource management, recreation sports management, and travel and tourism. The concentration in recreational therapy administration provides advanced education for clinical, administrative, and research positions in recreational therapy and healthcare-related careers. Individuals pursuing the RTA concentration who do not meet national certification requirements upon admission will be required to take supplemental course work while enrolled in the graduate program.

The degree requires 36 s.h. as follows:

1. Core - 12 s.h.

2. Concentration - 12 s.h.

(Choose one area.)

Recreation and park administration - 12 s.h.

Choose 6 s.h. from the following courses:

Note:

RCLS 6990

will be required of recreation and park administration students who do not have approved prior experience, internship, or certification in recreation or recreational therapy.

Recreational therapy administration - 12 s.h.

Choose 3 s.h. of approved electives.

Note:

RCLS 6990

is required for recreational therapy administration students who are not currently state or nationally credentialed in recreational therapy.

3. Thesis or non-thesis option - 12 s.h.

(Choose an option by concentration.)

Recreation and park administration:

Thesis option (12 s.h.)

Requires a comprehensive examination
RCLS 7000 - Thesis (6 s.h.)
6 s.h. of approved electives

Non-thesis option (12 s.h.)

Requires a comprehensive examination
RCLS 6501 - Capstone Experience in Recreation and Park Administration (3 s.h.)
9 s.h. of approved electives

Recreational therapy administration:

Thesis option (12 s.h.)

Requires a comprehensive examination
RCLS 7000 - Thesis (6 s.h.)
6 s.h. of approved interventions-based electives

Non-thesis option (12 s.h.)

Requires a comprehensive examination
RCTX 6502 - Capstone Experience in Recreational Therapy (3 s.h.)
9 s.h. of approved interventions-based electives