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Admissions

How to Apply

To apply to the online Recreational Therapy MS program, you should have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0. If your GPA is below 3.0, you should have a score at or above the 65th percentile on the GRE/MAT or a GPA of 3.25 in graduate coursework (nine credits).

    Application

    Students must apply through the SOPHAS Centralized Application ServiceThe documents listed below will all be submitted through SOPHAS.

    Check on your application status and the receipt of your materials through the SOPHAS portal.

    Transcripts

    Submit transcripts from all of the undergraduate and graduate institutions you’ve attended. Please mail all of your official transcripts to the following address.

    SOPHAS Transcript Processing Center
    PO Box 9111
    Watertown, MA 02471

    Letters of Recommendation

    You’ll need three letters of reference. One of the letters should be written by a faculty member who can comment on your academic ability. The others can be from professional references who can speak to your work-related competencies.

    Statement of Goals

    We are interested in learning more about you in order to determine your fit in the program. As part of your application, write an essay of approximately 1000 words that responds to the questions below. Your essay will be evaluated on the quality of your writing and synthesis of ideas, which are expected to be of a certain standard at the master’s level. 

    1. Describe how your recreation and leisure experiences have contributed to your health and personal growth. Consider different areas of wellness, as well as how these components have interacted and influenced each other in your life.
    2. Briefly describe your experiences in working with individuals with disabilities, if any.
    3. Briefly describe your recreational therapy interests and career goals. 

    In responding to these questions, it will benefit your application if you highlight relevant work experience or work experiences that developed relevant skills, active volunteerism and/or past leadership experience.

    Résumé

    A current professional résumé is required for admission.

    Additional Requirements for International Students

    • For applicants whose native language is not English, the TOEFL is required with a minimum score of 79 on the iBT. These scores should be sent officially to SOPHAS using the SOPHAS-specific TOEFL code of 5688.
    • A World Education Services course-by-course evaluation is required for applicants who completed their degree outside of the United States. This can be requested and submitted through SOPHAS.

    Application Deadlines

    • Fall: deadline extended to April 15 for international applicants, June 1 for domestic applicants

    • Spring: Nov. 1

    Clearance Requirements

    To begin your required clinical/fieldwork placement, you’ll need to pass clearances that may include criminal background checks and drug screenings. You may also need to maintain personal health insurance and/or submit proof of physicals and immunizations. For a full list of requirements, see the Recreational Therapy MS Bulletin.

    Please contact us if you have questions or concerns related to site placement possibilities, certification or state licensure.

    Laptop Requirement

    Laptops are integrated into the curriculum at the College of Public Health to improve opportunities for active learning and provide greater access to specialized software and required tools in and out of the classroom. Incoming students are required to have a laptop that meets certain minimum hardware specifications. Review full laptop requirements.