• Outdoor/Environmental Education
• Management of Leisure Services
• Therapeutic Recreation

The Profession

The M.S. in Recreation prepares students for a wide variety of career opportunities. Because all people seek recreation services in a spectrum of agencies, this degree provides a foundation in liberal arts, leadership, human relations, and management skills. The degree prepares graduates to work in the thriving and diverse profession of recreation services, working with individuals, groups, and communities. The career opportunities in this field are expected to grow as fast or faster than average for all occupations. Students can pursue the M.S. with a concentration in outdoor/environmental education, management of leisure services, or therapeutic recreation. 
 

 The Curriculum

The curriculum varies, depending on the concentration declared. Please follow these links to view specific curriculum requirements in each concentration:

Outdoor/Environmental Education (.pdf) or (.doc)

Management of Leisure Services (.pdf) or (.doc)

Therapeutic Recreation (.pdf) or (.doc)

 
Internship

Depending on the undergraduate preparation and professional experience of a master's student, an important component of the curriculum in the degree may be the internship. This semester-long, capstone experience provides students the opportunity to integrate theory with practice under the supervision of a faculty supervisor and a professional in the field. Students complete their internship experiences in a wide variety of agencies: campus recreation programs, Boys or Girls Clubs, YM/WCA's, after-school programs, teen centers, senior centers, retirement communities, special event planning, camps, parks and recreation agencies,and more.

 
National Certification

Upon graduation, students may be qualified to sit for the national certification exam for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional, administered by the NRPA National Certification Board or the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

 
Careers in Recreation Education

SUNY Cortland graduates in recreation hold positions in a wide array of agencies and programs. Here are a few examples: city, town, and state departments of parks and recreation; federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service or National Park Service; health care facilities, such as hospitals, long term care facilities, or rehabilitation facilities; special recreation agencies, such as wheelchair sports, adaptive recreation or Easter Seals programs; agencies such as the YM/WCA's, Boys and Girls Club, and Scouting; businesses and corporations; universities; school systems, nature centers, and summer camps; resorts and commercial facilities such as ski areas, sport and fitness centers; and, more. The diversity of the field is unmatched.

If you would like a career with an unmatched variety of exciting and meaningful opportunities, including the chance to improve the quality of life for individuals and society, and if you would like to study with the best, then we invite you to apply to SUNY Cortland.