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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Master of Science in Recreational Therapy

Completion of 33 credits for the one-year M.S. in RT program. General graduate academic policies can be found in the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

Students must attain a minimum of 80 percent competency in each course to remain in the program. This requirement is reflected in course syllabi across the M.S. in RT program.

B.S./M.S. Combined Degree Courses

Core Curriculum (45 credits)

Two undergraduate electives from the following options: (6 credits)

Graduate Program Courses (upon completion of the BS component)

Core Curriculum (24 credits)

Two graduate electives from the following: (6 credits)

Additional electives: (9 credits)

Three additional electives must be selected from the Graduate Catalog for a total of nine credits - electives selections must be 500-level or higher RTX courses or 500- to 600-level courses from other programs approved by advisor.

One Year Master of Science in Recreational Therapy Degree Courses

Core Curriculum (33 credits)

Two graduate electives from the following: (6 credits)

Additional electives: (9 credits)

Three additional electives must be selected from the Graduate Catalog for a total of nine credits - electives selections must be 500-level or higher RTX courses or 500- to 600-level courses from other programs approved by advisor.

Suggested Order of Coursework

B.S./M.S. Combined Degree Track

Fall One (10 credits)

Winter One (12 credits)

Summer One (3 credits)

Fall Two (6-9 credits)

Winter Two (6-9 credits)

Summer Two (6 credits)

Students are expected to apply to and take the national credentialing exam for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) after completion of their bachelor's coursework. Students must pass the exam prior to beginning graduate coursework.

Fall Three (9 credits)

Winter Three (9 credits)

Summer Three (6 credits)

One-Year Master of Science of Recreational Therapy Degree

Students in the M.S. in RT one year track are expected to have obtained their national credential as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist prior to beginning the program.

Fall (9 credits)

Winter (12 credits)

Summer (12 credits)


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