Therapeutic Recreation, B.S.

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The purpose of therapeutic recreation is to promote development of functional independence and to facilitate development, maintenance, and expression of an appropriate leisure lifestyle for persons with mental, physical, emotional, or social limitations. Accordingly, this purpose is accomplished through provision of educational and participatory services in both treatment and non-treatment settings. These services assist clientele in eliminating barriers to leisure, developing leisure skills and attitudes that meet their needs, and optimizing their leisure involvement. Therapeutic recreation professionals use leisure and recreation to enhance each client’s health status and leisure lifestyle, both of which are imperative to the development of human potential.

Upon completion of the degree requirements, the student may seek employment as a recreation therapist, recreation staff in a variety of municipal or nonprofit environments, activity coordinator, or recreation generalist. Students who complete internships under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist will be eligible to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification examination.

Program Requirements

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Therapeutic Recreation major: 87.5.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C-.

Therapeutic Recreation Required Core Courses (54.5 credits)

REC 110 - Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Studies Credits: 3
REC 121 - Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation Services Credits: 3
REC 226 - Lifetime Leisure Activities Credits: 3
REC 232 - Methods in Therapeutic Recreation Program Design Credits: 3
REC 241 - Recreation Leadership Credits: 3
REC 253 - Implications of Disabling Conditions for Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
REC 311 - Holistic Therapeutic Recreation Strategies in Geriatrics Credits: 3
REC 314 - Wellness Education and Counseling Credits: 3
REC 324 - Inclusive and Special Recreation Credits: 3
REC 382 - Assessment and Documentation in Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
REC 383 - Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
REC 494 - Professional Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation Practice Credits: 3
REC 495 - Internship Credits: 3, 6, 9, or 12
REC 498 - Management and Professional Development in Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
SPM 101 - Basic Life Support and First Aid 1 Credits: 0.5
SPM 219 - Lifetime Physical Fitness and Wellness Credits: 3

Therapeutic Recreation Required Foundation Courses (24 credits)

BIO 111 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 3
BIO 112 - Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 1.5
BIO 113 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 3
BIO 114 - Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 1.5
HRD 200 - Multicultural Human Development Credits: 3
or
SBS 200 - Multicultural Human Development Credits: 3
LOS 301 - Group Dynamics Credits: 3
or
SBS 301 - Group Dynamics Credits: 3
PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
PSY 233 - Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3
SBS 343 - Substance Use Disorders Credits: 3
or
SWO 388 - Substance Use and Related Behaviors: Critical Analysis and Practice Credits: 3

Therapeutic Recreation Approved Elective Courses (9 credits)

Students have the option to select electives from their declared minor and should consult with their faculty advisor.

HIH 203 - Mind Body Stress Reduction Credits: 3
HIH 270 - Holistic Approaches to Reproductive Health Credits: 3
HIH 280 - Holistic Health I Credits: 3
HIH 281 - Holistic Health II Credits: 3
HIH 283 - Healing and Spirituality Credits: 3
HIH 284 - Botanical Therapies Credits: 3
HIH 288 - Reiki: Energy Medicine Credits: 3
HIH 300 - Sustainable Compassion Training Credits: 3
REC 190 - Yoga and Nutrition Credits: 3
REC 223 - Environmental Recreation Credits: 3
REC 233 - Outdoor Recreation Credits: 3
REC 285 - Perspectives on Animal-Assisted Therapy Credits: 3
RHF 1XX Two 1.5-credit health fitness courses

Therapeutic Recreation General Electives

Students should consult with their advisor to determine if electives are needed to complete the 120-credit minimum graduation requirement. Elective courses require advisor approval.

Students wishing to pursue a Holistic and Integrative Health minor should consult with their faculty advisor in Recreation and Leisure Studies.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: REC 314
Quantitative Reasoning:
Creative Expression:
Cultural Interpretation:
Science Exploration:
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: REC 324
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International:
Engaged Learning: REC 495
Capstone: REC 498

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.