Bachelor of Applied Arts (B.A.A.) in Recreation Major - Therapeutic Recreation Concentration

This program is first professionally accredited major. The therapeutic recreation option prepares the student to work with persons with illness or disability utilizing recreation activity as a therapeutic or treatment intervention. Students obtaining degrees in therapeutic recreation may be employed within hospitals (rehabilitation, psychiatric, substance abuse), residential facilities, geriatric agencies and/or community recreation and parks departments. Regardless of the concentration selected, students majoring in recreation will be required to enroll in a common core of courses that will emphasize the philosophical framework of the profession. Students will acquire professional competencies to effectively design, organize, implement, manage, administer, and/or evaluate recreational programming assuring it effectively meets the diverse needs of the individuals or community serviced. The department places a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of a students training by offering an extensive internship program which is completed following the completion of professional coursework. The combination of the professional internship and the curriculum provides the student with the competencies necessary to direct and/or administer leisure services supporting individual, family, and community wellness assuring an enhanced quality of life for all.