Therapeutic recreation services are provided to individuals with disabilities and other diverse needs in a variety of settings, from hospitals, to group homes, to human service centers.

Advanced-level study in therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation and human services allows graduates of this major in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department  to qualify to sit for the national certification examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). This major is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the nature and scope of the therapeutic recreation profession and its associated service delivery systems, and the foundations of the therapeutic recreation profession in history, theory, science and philosophy.
2. Demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, implement, document and evaluate therapeutic recreation services that facilitate targeted outcomes and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
3. Demonstrate entry-level knowledge about management/administration of therapeutic recreation services.
4. Demonstrate the sustained ability to apply the therapeutic recreation process, use diverse, structured ways of thinking to solve problems related to different facets of professional practice, engage in advocacy and stimulate innovation.

Career Potential

• Therapeutic recreation specialist in health-care facilities such as rehabilitation hospitals and psychiatric centers
• Therapeutic recreation specialist in long-term care facilities
• Therapeutic recreation manager
• Inclusion specialist in community parks and recreation departments or nonprofit agencies