Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation Major, B.A.A.; B.S.
B.A.A. degree; B.S. degree
Major Map
Advisor: Shay Dawson
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 211 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 250 | Abnormal Psychology | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 101 | Pursuit of Happiness: Examining Leisure Social Structures | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 118 | Introduction to Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services | 2(2-0) |
| RPL 209 | Inclusive Recreation with Diverse Populations | 2(2-0) |
| RPL 210 | Introduction to Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 311 | Pre-Internship in Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation | 1(1-0) |
| RPL 340 | Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation: Developmental Disabilities | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 341 | Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation: Physical Disabilities | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 342 | Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation: Behavioral Health | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 345 | Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation: Gerontology | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 349 | Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation: Facilitation Techniques | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 518 | Research & Philosophy in RPL | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 580WI | Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation: Programming | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 581 | Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation: Management Issues | 3(3-0) |
Note: RPL 311 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. degree will complete a one semester 15 credit hour internship. Students seeking a B.A.A. degree will complete a 30-hour internship. All internships must meet the standards of the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
Electives (3 hours)
Select 3 hours of
RPL 312 or 3 hours (1 hour each) of RPL 208,
RPL 300, and
RPL 348:
Total: 62-77 semester hours