B.S. in Recreation

Overview of the Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in recreation offers professional preparation in two distinct areas of recreation: recreation administration and therapeutic recreation. All recreation majors must complete a 39- to 42-hour degree core as well as the university General Education Curriculum requirements. Majors must also select one of the two emphases and complete course requirements specific to the emphasis.

Career Opportunities

The recreation administration emphasis is designed to prepare students for professional employment in a variety of recreational settings, including community-based recreation, campus recreation, church recreation, commercial recreation or outdoor recreation and park management. Students graduating from this program are immediately eligible to take the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) examination and apply for certification.

The therapeutic recreation emphasis is designed to prepare students for professional positions as therapeutic recreation specialists in a variety of settings. Therapeutic recreation specialists may work with individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional or social limitations in hospital, residential or community-based settings. The Bachelor of Science degree in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation prepares students to sit for the national Certified Theraupeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships and Practica

All students in recreation (recreation administration and therapeutic recreation) are required to enroll in three hours of HPR 210 (Practicum) and nine to 12 hours of HPR 495 (Internship). The practica are taken on three occasions over three separate semesters for one credit hour each. The practicum is a 40-hour-per-semester field experience that provides the student the opportunity to learn through observation, practice new skills, and develop an appreciation for the profession. The internship is the culminating experience for all students in recreation, and is taken after all course work has been completed. The internship is a 10 to 12-week (minimum) full-time field work experience in which students are provided the opportunity to apply theory to practice and begin the process of developing and shaping their skills.

Special Program Requirements

2.0 cumulative GPA for admission

Students must have a 2.2 cumulative GPA or a 2.5 GPA in major requirements (including BSC 250/250L, 251/251L and PSY 110 for therapeutic recreation emphasis) and all other course work completed to begin internship.

Requirements for a Minor in Recreation

All students pursuing a minor in recreation must complete 18 hours in recreation-related HPR courses. Minors in recreation will reflect one of two emphasis areas: recreation administration or therapeutic recreation. For the recreation administration emphasis area, the following courses are required:  HPR 200, 322, 323 and 351. The remaining six hours may be selected from approved electives following consultation with a recreation adviser. For the therapeutic recreation emphasis area, the following courses are required: HPR 200, 322, 323, 350 and 351.

The remaining three hours may be selected from approved electives following consultation with a recreation adviser.