Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation Major, B.A.; B.A.A.; B.S.
B.A. degree; B.A.A. degree; B.S. degree
Major Map
Advisors: LeAnn Wheeler (students with last names A-M) and Shay Dawson (students with last names N-Z)
The goal of the Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation Major is to prepare students to serve as competent practitioners in the role of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS). Students in this program develop skills to work with individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses in diverse health care settings. In addition to structured coursework a strong emphasis is placed on practical training via numerous volunteer placements and a full-time clinical internship under a CTRS. Upon completion of all coursework and professional internship, the student is eligible to sit for the national certifying examination administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Academic advisors work closely with students in the selection and scheduling of courses to assure timely completion of degree and major requirements. Academic advisors also provide recreational therapy and rehabilitation advisement for pre-graduate programs in selected allied areas (i.e. Occupational Therapy).
Admission Requirements, Admission and Termination Standards
Students must achieve a C or better in all courses required for program admission and all required courses to graduate with this major.
Program Requirements
Required Courses I (41 hours)
| HSC 214 | Human Anatomy | 4(3-3) |
| HSC 215 | Human Physiology | 4(3-2) |
| PSY 250 | Abnormal Psychology | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 118 | Introduction to Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services | 2(2-0) |
| RPL 210 | Introduction to Recreational Therapy | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 310 | Pre-Internship in Leisure Services | 1(1-0) |
| RPL 340 | Therapeutic Recreation: Developmental Disabilities | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 341 | Therapeutic Recreation: Physical Disabilities | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 342 | Therapeutic Recreation: Behavioral Health | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 345 | Therapeutic Recreation: Gerontology | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 349 | Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 518 | Research & Philosophy in RPL | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 580WI | Programming for Therapeutic Recreation | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 581 | Therapeutic Recreation: Management Issues | 3(3-0) |
Note: RPL 310 must be taken two semesters prior to internship;
RPL 518 must be taken one semester prior to internship.
Required Courses II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| HDF 100 | Lifespan Development | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 220 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 3(3-0) |
Required Courses III (15-30 hours)
| RPL 320 | Professional Internship in Recreation | 1-30(Spec) |
Note: RPL 320 - Students seeking a B.S. or B.A. degree will complete a one semester 15 credit hour internship in a clinical setting. Students seeking a B.A.A. degree will complete a 30 hour internship (in two unique settings, one of which must be clinical).
Electives (1 hour)
Select from the following:
Total: 60-75 semester hours