Option in Leisure Studies
Curriculum
This 60-credit hour program includes 15 hours of dissertation as well as coursework related to creation and leisure behavior, participation and benefits; wellness, health promotion and health benefits; interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships through recreation; recreation; and the man-made natural environments.
95%job placement
within higher education settings
Research and Faculty
Students are mentored by faculty to gain experience in teaching, research and service. Our program supports community-based, interdisciplinary research through work with our colleagues across campus. We are currently involved with Parkinson’s disease research to assist individuals in living as independently as possible within the community. Recreational therapy provides treatment interventions such as exercise, gate training and cognitive learning to assist individuals with improving and maintaining balance, muscular strength and independence.
Investigations into weather and environmental conditions and related effects on challenge course participation, recreation participation and related life enhancement of post military personnel. We also facilitate youth mentoring programs and leadership through social engagement activities.
Faculty highlights:
- Dr. Tim Passmore is nationally recognized for his expertise on Medicare and Medicaid regulations related to inpatient and outpatient healthcare. He regularly provides consultation to recreational therapists and healthcare organizations related to behavioral health and physical rehabilitation.
- Dr. Donna Lindenmeier is nationally recognized for her expertise in outdoor and community recreation programming. She specifically focuses on the use of recreation to enhance the lives of post-service military personnel.
- Dr. Taryn Price is an emerging expert in social engagement through recreation.
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Assistance Center
Admissions
Applications to the program are accepted on a rolling basis. Students are strongly
encouraged to apply no later than six weeks prior to the start of the semester. To
apply to the program, complete the following:
- Graduate College application
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (3.5 minimum graduate GPA required)
- Current resume/vita
- Professional goal statement (two-pages)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Scholarly writing sample
Cost & Assistance
Full-time students may be eligible for graduate assistantships in the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, either as a Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) or a Graduate Research Associate (GRA). These positions are highly competitive and typically awarded in the spring semester. Those granted assistantships are eligible to receive a tuition waiver, health insurance and stipend.
Currently enrolled students are also eligible for scholarships offered through the College of Education and Human Sciences.