Graduate Programs

Recreation [REC] M.S. (Graduate)

Overview

Activity. Adventure. Academics. Focus your energies, combine your passions and prepare for exciting careers. No matter what your background, you can pursue an advanced degree and discover a place where you truly enjoy your work by studying for the M.S. in recreation at SUNY Cortland. Choose from three concentrations:

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

Program Highlights

Join your peers from disciplines as varied as human development, the arts, anthropology, management, English, physical education and others who come together in small classes for exciting discussions led by our enthusiastic and dedicated faculty.

In addition to core courses in recreation, you'll examine in-depth issues in your concentration and explore related topics such as health, political science, sociology and physical education, as well as the behavioral, natural or social sciences. You'll also learn about research methods and complete a master's thesis or other culminating activity. When you successfully conclude the program, you may be qualified to sit for national certification examinations.

Internship Capstone Experience

Most students choose to cap their study with an internship experience that integrates theory with practice under the supervision of a SUNY Cortland faculty member and a professional in the field. Sites range from the National Park Service, YMCAs or YWCAs to retirement communities, parks and recreation agencies, rehabilitation clinics, outdoor leadership and wilderness trip providers, challenge courses or private recreation companies.

Career Potential

Because recreation touches all walks of life and all ages, the M.S. in recreation from SUNY Cortland allows you to build the career of your dreams — working with people or alone, indoors or outdoors or almost any combination you desire. You might find yourself conserving lands with the Finger Lakes Land Trust, managing a state park or serving as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, among many others.

If you're interested in university teaching or administration, you're well prepared to pursue the Ph.D. at graduate schools such as Cornell, Penn State, University of Utah and University of Georgia.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a degree program stated in this catalog, you should present the following for enrollment in the program leading to a Master of Science in Recreation:

1. Official transcripts documenting a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Applicants are generally required to have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. However, circumstances including, but not limited to, endeavors following completion of a bachelor's degree and performance in the last two years of a bachelor's degree program will be considered in reviewing applications from students with lower grade point averages. Students who feel they are qualified in spite of an undergraduate grade point average below a 2.8 are encouraged to contact the department before applying for admission.
3. A resume.
4. A one- to two-page statement of educational and professional goals.
5. Names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers of three references.
6. Applicants who lack substantial academic background in recreation may be required to complete three to 12 credit hours of course work in addition to the degree requirements.

Recreation Education [RED] M.S.Ed. (Graduate)

Overview

Whether to enhance your skills as a teacher or to prepare for a career in recreation, the M.S.Ed. in recreation education from SUNY Cortland may be right for you. If you hold or are eligible to hold a New York state teaching certificate, this degree can lead to your professional certification, as well as a variety of other career options. Choose from three program concentrations:

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

Program Highlights

Enjoy collaborating with your peers from many fields in small classes led by dedicated faculty. Beyond in-depth topics in your concentration and core courses in recreation, you'll explore related issues in the behavioral, natural and social sciences, health, political science, sociology and education. You'll also learn about research methods and complete a master's thesis or other culminating activity. When you successfully conclude the program, you may be qualified to sit for national certification examinations.

Internship Capstone Experience

Most students choose to cap their study with an internship experience that integrates theory with practice under the supervision of a SUNY Cortland faculty member and a professional in the field. Sites range from campus recreation programs and after-school activities to retirement communities, special event planning, camps, hospitals, inclusive community recreation, historical and cultural interpretation at national park units, university program management or commercial resorts.

Career Potential

Recreation affects all walks of life and all ages. The M.S.Ed. in recreation education from SUNY Cortland gives you the tools to create a rewarding career serving a wide range of audiences, whether you remain in education or shift to the field of recreation and parks. You may choose options such as teaching in public or private schools, serving as an activity director at an after-school program, managing a state park or becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. You're also well prepared to pursue the Ph.D. at graduate schools such as Cornell, Clemson, University of Illinois, North Carolina State University and University of Florida.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a degree program stated in this catalog, applicants for admission to the M.S.Ed. in recreation education must meet the following requirements:

1. Official transcripts documenting a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Documentation of an initial/provisional certificate or a certificate of qualification for initial or provisional certification in any subject area issued by the New York State Education Department.
3. Applicants are generally required to have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale). However, circumstances including, but not limited to, endeavors following completion of a bachelor's degree and performance in the last two years of a bachelor's degree program will be considered in reviewing applications from students with lower grade point averages. Students who feel they are qualified in spite of an undergraduate grade point average below a 2.8 are encouraged to contact the department before applying for admission.
4. A resume.
5. A one- or two-page statement of the applicant's educational and professional goals.
6. Names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three references
7. Applicants who lack substantial academic background in recreation may be required to complete three to 12 credit hours of course work in addition to the degree requirements described herein.