The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree with a major in Recreational Therapy (RT) prepares students for careers as recreational therapists in health and human service settings such as hospitals, geriatric care facilities, and community-based organizations. Recreational therapists use recreational activities as therapeutic interventions to enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.
The RT program heavily utilizes community-engaged learning to provide hands-on opportunities for students to engage with individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings. In addition to required coursework, students must complete a 14-week, 560-hour senior internship under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). This degree meets the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification’s (NCTRC) professional eligibility requirements to become a CTRS.
Process to Declare this Major
Students must meet specific prerequisite requirements before they are eligible to officially declare the major. Students are Intended Majors until they meet program prerequisite requirements. Students who have met the requirements to declare a major will be referred to the program by their assigned academic advisor.
Connect with your Advisor
Stay on target with your goals. Get help from our health sciences advisors. Many majors require special courses and an application to enroll.