Recreation and Leisure Studies, Therapeutic Recreation Concentration, B.S.

The purpose of therapeutic recreation is to promote development of functional independence and to facilitate development, maintenance, and expression of an appropriate leisure lifestyle for persons with mental, physical, emotional, or social limitations. Accordingly, this purpose is accomplished through provision of educational and participatory services in both treatment and non-treatment settings. These services assist clientele in eliminating barriers to leisure, developing leisure skills and attitudes that meet their needs, and optimizing their leisure involvement. Therapeutic recreation professionals use leisure and recreation to enhance each client’s health status and leisure lifestyle, both of which are imperative to the development of human potential.

Upon completion of the degree requirements, the student may seek employment as a recreation therapist, recreation staff in a variety of municipal or nonprofit environments, activity coordinator, or recreation generalist. Students who complete internships under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist will be eligible to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification examination.