Leisure Studies, MS

Master’s in Leisure Studies

The MS in Leisure Studies offers two areas of emphasis: recreational therapy and recreation management. Our graduates in recreational therapy are prepared for careers in psychiatric, physical rehabilitation, pediatric and other healthcare and wellness settings. Our graduates in recreation management are prepared for careers in corporate recreation, university intramurals, outdoor recreation, parks and resource management.

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Curriculum

This 36-credit hour program offers a thesis or non-thesis options and includes the following core courses:

Recreational Therapy & Geriatrics
Recreational Therapy for Persons with Physical Disabilities
Recreational Therapy for Persons in Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities
Areas & Facilities in Leisure Services
Recreation in the Natural Environment
Advanced Methods in Therapeutic Recreation
Tourism in Recreation Settings
Entrepreneurial Leisure Services
Grant Writing & Nonprofit Management
Field Problems in Leisure Services Interpretive Services in Leisure Services
Supervision & Leadership in Leisure Services
Outdoor Education

DISTINCTprogram

The MS in Leisure Studies is the only of its kind in Oklahoma.

Course information

Complete a Graduate Certificate in Recreation & Leisure Management

Research and Faculty

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.

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.

Meet our faculty

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Assistance Center

College research initiatives

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.

Warm water therapy

To apply to the program, complete the following:

Graduate College application
Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA required)
Current resume/vita
Letter of interest
Three letters of recommendation

Graduate student resources

Cost and Assistance

Full-time students may be eligible for graduate assistantships in the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, either as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or a Graduate Research Assistant (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.

Cost

Scholarships

Financing graduate school

Assistantships