• Description of Program
• Degree Requirements
• Special Opportunities
• Careers

Description of Program

The recreational therapy major prepares students to assume positions as recreational therapists. All students graduating from this program are eligible to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes the field of recreational therapy as follows: “Recreational therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists improve and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Therapists help individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively so that they can enjoy greater independence and reduce or eliminate the effects of their illness or disability. In addition, therapists help people with disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities. Recreational therapists are different from recreation workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment. In acute healthcare settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, recreational therapists treat and rehabilitate individuals with specific health conditions, usually in conjunction or collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists. In long-term and residential care facilities, recreational therapists use leisure activities—especially structured group programs—to improve and maintain their clients' general health and well-being. They also may provide interventions to prevent the client from suffering further medical problems and complications.”

Degree Requirements

This is a four-year program leading to the degree, Bachelor of Science in Recreation with a major in recreational therapy. The recreational therapy program prepares students to assume positions as recreation therapy specialists. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Professionals assess individuals' needs, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs, and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. All students graduating from the major are eligible to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination. A minimum of 30 successfully completed credit hours and a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) are required for admission to this program.  Graduation requirements include:

• completion of general education requirements.
• completion of recreational therapy major requirements.
• a minimum of 120 successfully completed credit hours which count toward the degree program.
• a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in courses used to complete the major.
• No Pass/Fail except for free electives.

General Education (20 – 39 credits)

All undergraduate students must complete the IU Bloomington campus-wide general education common ground requirements. Such students must visit the 2021-2022 General Education Bulletin to view these requirements.

Major (68-75 cr.)

OPTION 1: This requirement may be met by completing the following one-course-combination of Anatomy and Physiology:

• MSCI-M 115 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (3 cr.) +(N&M) (3 cr.)

OPTION 2: Alternatively, students may meet this requirement by completing the following individual courses in Anatomy and Physiology:

• ANAT-A 215 Basic Human Anatomy (5 cr.) +(N&M) --or-- SPH-K 205 Structural Kinesiology (3 cr.)
• PHSL-P 215 Basic Human Physiology (5 cr.) +(N&M)

Complete each of the following courses:

• PSY-P 101 Introduction to Psychology I (3 cr.) +(N&M)
• PSY-P 102 Introduction to Psychology II (3 cr.) +(S&H)
• PSY-P 324 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr.)
• SPH-F 150 Introduction to Life Span Development (3 cr.) +(S&H)
• SPH-K 398 Adapted Physical Activity (3 cr.)
• SPH-Y 225 Disability, Health, and Function (3 cr.) (minimum grade of C-)
• SPH-Y 277 Foundations of Recreational Therapy Practice (3 cr.) (Minimum grade of C- required)
• SPH-Y 378 Recreational Therapy Assessment and Planning (4 cr.) (minimum grade of C-)
• SPH-Y 379 Recreational Therapy Facilitation: Techniques and Evaluation (4 cr.) (minimum grade of C-)
• SPH-Y 397 Recreational Therapy Internship and Professional Preparation (3 cr.)
• SPH-Y 470 Contemporary Issues in Recreational Therapy (3 cr.) (minimum grade of C-)
• SPH-Y 472 Recreational Therapy in the Health Care Environment (3 cr.) (minimum grade of C-)

Recreation Core (27 cr.)
Complete each of the following courses:

• SPH-R 200 Health & Happiness by Design (3 cr.) +(S&H)
• SPH-R 210 Inclusion in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 311 Management in Recreation, Parks and Tourism (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 314 Data-Based Decision-Making (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 410 (Formerly: SPH-T 410) Event Planning and Program Development (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 497 Professional Internship (12 cr.)
• 320 Hours of Field Experience are required.