Recreational Therapy
Make a lasting impact on well-being
Are you passionate about improving people's health and quality of life?
Whether you’re looking to advance your career in recreational therapy or you’re new to the field, UW-La Crosse offers a pathway for you to earn a Master of Science in Recreational Therapy.
Our program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, illnesses or other challenges using goal-oriented, therapeutic recreation activities. Find a rewarding career in a variety of settings.
A program within Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Choose from three distinct master's program tracks to accommodate your career goals and prior experience:
- Entry-level track: Ideal for students without a background in recreational therapy. This track aligns with National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) standards and prepares you to sit for the exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
- Advanced clinical track: Designed for students who are already certified or eligible for certification in therapeutic recreation (CTRS). This track builds on your existing knowledge with advanced, evidence-based practices, expanding your expertise and enhancing your career prospects.
- Dual degree track: This dual degree program allows undergraduate students to complete 9 credits of graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies, then return to complete the remaining 24 credits after graduation.
Career outlook
Sammy Petitte, former graduate student, gave a Tedx talk on "Beatboxing as Therapy"
What distinguishes UWL's Recreational Therapy Master's program?
In an age where many programs are shifting online, UWL offers a fully in-person experience. This hands-on learning is essential for building the people skills needed in recreational therapy. Students frequently engage in community and campus-based projects, working directly with real people and programs.
Our graduates consistently perform well on the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam. The consistently-high pass rates reflect the strength of the program.
The HSIRC fosters collaboration across allied health programs, providing students in Recreational Therapy and other programs with opportunities for hands-on research and professional development that enhances their career preparation.
Our students contribute to an open-access, web-based repository, RT Open Eagles, which serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and resources in recreational therapy.
UWL provides various research assistantship opportunities through campus initiatives, including partnerships with the Outdoor Connection and Western Technical College. Graduate assistants may also work closely with faculty on research projects. Additionally, the program offers competitive graduate assistantship positions.
Our staff is here to guide you through any prerequisites you may need to complete before entering the program. We understand that students come from diverse educational backgrounds, and we’ll work with you to ensure you’re prepared for success in the master’s program. Contact Kate Evans, program director, at kevans@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8210.
