REC 5199B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5299B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5310. Philosophical Foundations of Recreation and Sport Management.

This course examines the historical and conceptual foundations of leisure, recreation, and sport. Students analyze major philosophical perspectives, definitions, and debates that have shaped these fields over time. Readings include historical, analytical, and theoretical works that explore how leisure practices emerge within social and organizational contexts. Emphasis will be placed on structural conditions that allow an activity or an experience to be defined as leisure. Students develop analytical tools for understanding how professional practices are informed by philosophical assumptions and ethical considerations. By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate various definitions of leisure and consider their implications for contemporary recreation and sport management.

REC 5318P. Advanced Recreation Practices for Individuals with Disabilities.

This course examines advanced practices in recreation services for individuals with disabilities. Students analyze theories, models, and current trends related to adaptive, adapted, and general recreation, including best practices in sport and activity design. The course examines concepts such as environmental accessibility and social isolation as objects of study within recreation contexts, emphasizing research-based approaches rather than prescriptive viewpoints. Students evaluate strategies for adapting activities, modifying environments, and enhancing service delivery across varied settings. Through case examples and applied learning, students develop skills to implement evidence informed recreation practices that support a variety of participant needs.

REC 5318Q. Evaluation of Recreation and Sport Programs.

This course provides an applied overview of evaluation methods used in recreation and sport program settings. Students examine the historical development of program evaluation and study approaches suited to a variety of participants, organizational contexts, and program types. Readings and activities focus on selecting evaluation techniques, designing data collection instruments, and applying both quantitative and qualitative measures. Students practice interpreting results and presenting findings in formats appropriate for administrators, staff, and stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on developing practical, evidence based skills for assessing program effectiveness and supporting decision making within recreation and sport organizations.

REC 5321. Issues and Trends in Recreational Therapy.

This course introduces students to current issues and trends shaping recreational therapy practice, education, research, and service delivery. Students investigate emerging developments, examining how these trends influence professional expectations, treatment approaches, and organizational structures. Course activities emphasize critical analysis, interpretation of evidence, and evaluation of stakeholder perspectives. Students explore how trends impact practice environments while maintaining focus on objective inquiry rather than prescriptive action. Through guided discussion and applied projects, students develop the ability to analyze professional issues and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders in a value neutral and academically grounded manner. Prerequisite: REC 5328 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5325. Philosophical Foundations of Recreational Therapy.

This course examines the history, theory, and philosophy of recreational therapy, including service models, diagnostic groups, the recreational therapy process, evidence‑based practice, and relevant legislation. Students will explore how recreational therapy supports the attainment and maintenance of well‑being for individuals with various characteristics, disabilities, and abilities. Emphasis is placed on applying research evidence to the planning and delivery of recreational therapy across a variety of service settings. Students will develop skills in locating, critically appraising, analyzing, and producing evidence related to treatment modalities and techniques used in recreational therapy practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

REC 5326. Advanced Program Planning for Recreational Therapy.

This course provides an advanced examination of the recreational therapy process. Focus will be on planning individualized services and support for persons with disabling conditions and limitations. Students will analyze interventions, modalities, instruction, leadership, supervision, and leisure counseling techniques in relation to program planning and implementation of recreational therapy services. Through advanced, structured learning experiences, students will critically analyze foundational and emerging theoretical models, develop comprehensive program designs, and apply detailed activity and task analyses that inform and enhance effective recreational therapy service delivery. Prerequisite: REC 5327 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5327. Advanced Assessment & Documentation in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides an in depth examination of assessment and documentation processes used in recreational therapy practice. Students review standardized and specialized assessment instruments and learn procedures for selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting these tools in a clinically accurate and objective manner. The course emphasizes documentation methods commonly used in clinical and community settings, including narrative summaries, progress notes, and treatment related reporting structures. Using collected assessment data, students develop individualized treatment plans that align with professional standards and respond to the strengths, needs, and goals of individuals receiving services. Attention is given to accuracy, consistency, and evidence-based decision making in all phases of assessment and documentation. Corequisite: REC 5325 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5328. Advanced Principles of Recreational Therapy.

This course provides an advanced examination of administrative principles used in designing, organizing, and managing recreational therapy services across a variety of settings. Students explore professional credentialing processes, administrative policies, standards of practice, scope of practice, professional standards, and regulatory expectations relevant to recreational therapy. The course emphasizes analysis of administrative structures, quality improvement processes, and program evaluation components that support effective service delivery. Students apply administrative frameworks to case based examples, examining how operational planning, regulatory alignment, and professional standards inform organizational decision making in recreational therapy programs. Prerequisite: REC 5327 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5329. Applied Implementation in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides an advanced examination of the recreational therapy process focused on implementation of services and supports tailored for persons with disabling conditions and limitations. Applying current research and theoretical perspectives in relation to leading therapeutic groups, students will explore facilitation techniques and counseling techniques used in selection and implementation of interventions. Additional focus will be on developing skills necessary to implement evidence-based goal-directed outcomes using recreational therapy interventions. Prerequisite: REC 5328 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5330. Organizational Leadership in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course examines leadership and management practices within recreation and sport organizations. Students explore the leader’s role in facilitating organizational effectiveness and study human resource functions such as hiring, supervision, evaluation, and compensation. The course also reviews federal and state employment laws and considers how managers implement legal requirements and agency policies in daily operations. Emphasis is placed on analyzing management processes, understanding leadership responsibilities, and applying administrative concepts through case based examples.

REC 5336. Independent Study in Recreational Therapy.

This course is an independent study related to recreational therapy under direct supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for additional credit at the discretion of the department chair. Prerequisite: Department Approval.

REC 5337. Independent Study in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course provides students the opportunity to pursue an individualized project in Recreation and Sport Management under the guidance of a faculty member. Students will identify an academically rigorous topic, develop a proposal, and complete an independent study plan that includes scheduled faculty supervision. The project must result in a professional academic product such as a research paper, analysis, or applied report. Emphasis is placed on disciplined inquiry, sound methodological reasoning, and clear communication of findings relevant to recreation or sport management settings. This course supports students in demonstrating self directed learning, applying disciplinary concepts, and producing work that meets graduate level academic standards.

REC 5338. Internship in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides a supervised internship in recreational therapy over a minimum of 14 weeks and 560 hours. Students apply academic knowledge in a professional setting under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and a CTRS credentialed faculty member. The internship includes participation in assessment, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation, documentation, and professional communication. Emphasis is placed on applying the recreational therapy process, demonstrating professional competencies, and meeting administrative expectations of the agency. Students gain experience integrating evidence informed practices, adhering to professional standards, and demonstrating independent clinical decision making within supervised practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

REC 5339. Advanced Research Methods in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides students with an opportunity to enhance research knowledge related to Recreational Therapy. The focus will be on developing advanced competencies in research methodology, critical analysis of literature, and application of evidence-based practice in recreational therapy throughout the therapeutic process. Students will engage in a comprehensive case study project that integrates theoretical knowledge, clinical judgement and practical application, emphasizing the importance of research in informing recreational therapy practice. Corequisite: REC 5338 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5340. Social Psychology of Recreation and Sport.

This course introduces graduate students to major social psychological theories and empirical research addressing leisure, sport, and recreation behavior. Students examine how individual attributes, social contexts, and group processes shape participation patterns across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on understanding foundational models, evaluating peer reviewed research, and applying theoretical constructs to contemporary issues in recreation management. Through analysis of interdisciplinary literature, students develop the conceptual tools needed to describe, compare, and interpret the social psychological dimensions of leisure in a variety of settings.

REC 5346. Literature and Research in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course introduces students to academic literature in recreation and sport management and provides tools for analyzing scholarly articles and research reports. Students examine research design, content organization, methodology, and potential limitations in published studies. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the clarity, validity, and structure of research as well as identifying common flaws in reporting. The course also addresses ethical considerations relevant to conducting and reviewing research, allowing students to understand established professional standards without requiring agreement with any particular ethical stance. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to critically evaluate research within the field using systematic and transparent analytical approaches.

REC 5350. Legal and Ethical Issues in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course examines the legal and ethical foundations that guide contemporary recreation and sport management. Students study legal terminology, tort principles, risk exposure, participant rights, legal access requirements, and credentialing standards relevant to professional practice. Ethical reasoning frameworks are explored and applied to real-world scenarios involving confidentiality, conflict of interest, professional boundaries, and organizational responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on objective analysis, informed decision‑making, and the ability to locate credible legal resources. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to evaluate legal risks, interpret professional duties, and apply ethical frameworks without being required to adopt any particular viewpoint.

REC 5360. Financial Management in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course examines financial concepts, principles, and practices used within recreation and sport delivery systems. Students study approaches such as full cost accounting, pricing strategies, budgeting processes, and techniques for analyzing organizational financial plans. Emphasis is placed on understanding how financial decisions are made across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Students apply established financial management tools to evaluate revenue sources, assess program costs, and develop resource proposals. Through case studies and structured analysis, the course supports the development of professional judgment and the ability to interpret financial information within recreation and sport contexts. Prerequisite: REC 5380 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

REC 5372. Design and Technology in Physical Environments of Leisure.

This course examines how individuals experience physical environments in leisure contexts. Content includes analysis of environments such as homes, cities, and outdoor spaces, including arenas, and their influence on leisure, recreation, and sport activities. The course addresses the role of technology in shaping these environments and examines design processes, including the use of drawings and planning documents to meet functional and experiential needs. Emphasis is placed on evaluating how physical and technological elements interact within leisure settings.

REC 5373. Innovative Technology Solutions and Applications in Recreation and Sport.

This course examines the use of contemporary technologies within recreation, sport, and leisure service environments. Students develop research skills related to user needs, user technology interaction, and technology evaluation. Emphasis is placed on analytical techniques used to assess technology including diagramming, descriptive documentation, and analysis of functions. Through applied examples and case studies, students explore how technological tools influence service delivery, operational processes, and user experience. The course prepares students to analyze opportunities for innovation while assessing both benefits and limitations of specific technologies within recreation and sport settings.

REC 5380. Organizational Planning in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course provides students with organizational planning and administration tools developed and tested within the recreation and sport industries. Topics may include the exploration of programming and organizational theory, administrative processes, and the application of organizational planning principles to the recreation and sport delivery systems. Emphasis will be placed on successful, evidence-based planning strategies used in a variety of businesses, organizations and agencies around the world. Topics include program planning, and the components necessary for effective master, strategic and comprehensive planning.

REC 5381. Outdoor Program Leadership and Administration.

This course provides an overview of leadership, administration, and program delivery within the outdoor recreation sector. Students explore foundational theories of outdoor programs and adventure experiences, along with historical developments that have shaped the meaning and use of wilderness and public outdoor spaces in the United States. The course examines the evolution of federal land management agencies and their influence on recreation policy, resource allocation, and visitor services. Through case studies and current research, students apply management principles to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor recreation opportunities. Attention is also given to professional standards in outdoor education, interpretive programming, and the operation of a variety of outdoor recreation systems.

REC 5382. Facility Management in Recreation and Sport Services.

This course provides an overview of the practices involved in managing recreation and sport facilities. Students examine the role of facility manager, work management functions, and user interaction. Topics include health and safety considerations, accessibility frameworks, environment and sustainability practices, technologies, sourcing procedures, emergency preparedness, and approaches to assessing space needs. The course emphasizes analysis of real-world documents and professional literature to support evidence based decision-making. Students develop practical tools and frameworks to evaluate facility operations while maintaining a value neutral, inquiry driven approach to professional standards and responsibilities.

REC 5399A. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5399B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5599B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5999B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.