2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Therapeutic Recreation [TR]


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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.

Program Standard Grade Point Average Requirement

  • Program Standard GPA
    • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in any REC course except REC 475
  • Therapeutic Recreation Major Requirements
    • 47 credits in any REC course except REC 475

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

C. Internship: 12 credit hours


Students may not enroll in additional course work while enrolled in the internship.

D. Other: 11-12 credit hours


  • Activity Requirement: at least two different recreation activities (2-6 cr. hr.)
  • Liberal Arts and Free Electives (0-3 cr. hr.)
  • First Aid Requirement: certification in First Aid/CPR/AED or higher

This certification is a prerequisite for REC 475: Internship in Recreation and Leisure Services and must be current for the duration of the REC 475 internship. Acceptable certifications can be found in the advisement manual.

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 121


Example of the B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation over four years


Links to General Education (GE); Foreign Language

Total credit hours for semester: 16


First Year Spring


Total credit hours for semester: 16


Total credit hours for semester: 16


Second Year Spring


Total credit hours for semester 16


Total credit hours for semester: 15


Third Year Spring


Total credit hours for semester 15


Total credit hours for semester: 15


Total credit hours for semester 12


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