B.A. in Accounting
The University of Utah offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Accounting program designed ...
B.A. in Recreational Therapy
Salt Lake City, Utah
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Recreational Therapy program at the University of Utah offers students a comprehensive education in utilizing leisure and recreational activities as therapeutic interventions to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and supervised internships, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to assess client needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and implement therapeutic interventions in diverse healthcare and community settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the B.A. in Recreational Therapy program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in recreational therapy principles, theories, and practices, as well as a broad understanding of human development, psychology, and health promotion. Core courses may include Introduction to Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation Programming, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Psychosocial Aspects of Disability, and Medical Terminology. Students also complete supervised internships and practicum experiences in healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations to gain hands-on experience working with diverse populations and implementing therapeutic interventions.
Research Focus: The B.A. in Recreational Therapy program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and research skills in the field of recreational therapy. Students learn to critically evaluate research literature, design research studies, collect and analyze data, and apply research findings to inform clinical practice. Through coursework and research projects, students develop the skills necessary to contribute to the advancement of the recreational therapy field and improve outcomes for individuals receiving therapeutic services.
Industry Engagement: The University of Utah fosters industry engagement opportunities for students in the B.A. in Recreational Therapy program through partnerships with healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, community organizations, and recreational therapy agencies. Students participate in supervised internships and practicum experiences, working alongside certified recreational therapists and interdisciplinary healthcare teams. These experiences provide students with valuable hands-on experience, professional networking opportunities, and insights into best practices in the field.
Global Perspective: While the primary focus of the B.A. in Recreational Therapy program may be on domestic healthcare systems and practices, students are encouraged to consider the global dimensions of health, disability, and leisure. The program may offer coursework or opportunities for students to explore cross-cultural perspectives on health and wellness, participate in international service-learning projects, or engage with global health issues affecting diverse populations. By gaining exposure to global perspectives, students develop cultural competence and awareness, preparing them to work effectively with diverse individuals and communities in a global context.
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 32378
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 80 is often required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 105 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Utah offers various scholarships to support the academic endeavors of international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and diverse backgrounds, making education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
International Student Scholarships: The University of Utah provides merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition costs and are awarded based on academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. International students are encouraged to check the university's scholarship website for eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at the University of Utah offer scholarships to international students enrolled in their programs. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student's field of study. International students should inquire with their respective departments or academic advisors about available scholarship opportunities.
Diversity Scholarships: The University of Utah values diversity and strives to create an inclusive campus community. The university offers diversity scholarships to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including international students. These scholarships aim to foster a diverse and vibrant learning environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.
International Student Exchange Programs: The University of Utah participates in various international student exchange programs that provide opportunities for incoming and outgoing exchange students to receive financial support. These programs may include scholarships, grants, or stipends to help cover tuition, travel expenses, and living costs during the exchange period. International students interested in studying abroad should explore exchange program opportunities through their home institutions or the University of Utah's international office.
External Scholarships and Funding Opportunities: In addition to university-sponsored scholarships, international students at the University of Utah can explore external scholarship opportunities offered by governments, organizations, foundations, and corporations. Many countries and institutions offer scholarships for international students to study abroad, and students are encouraged to research and apply for these external funding sources to supplement their financial aid packages.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Recreational Therapy program from the University of Utah are well-prepared to pursue diverse career opportunities in the field of healthcare, rehabilitation, and community services. The program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to work effectively with individuals of all ages and abilities, using recreational activities as therapeutic interventions to promote health and well-being.
Recreational Therapist: Graduates can pursue careers as recreational therapists in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and community organizations. Recreational therapists assess clients' needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and implement therapeutic interventions to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning.
Activity Coordinator/Manager: Graduates may work as activity coordinators or managers in healthcare facilities, assisted living facilities, and community centers. In these roles, they are responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating recreational programs and activities for individuals with disabilities, older adults, or individuals recovering from illness or injury.
Adaptive Recreation Specialist: Some graduates may choose to specialize in adaptive recreation, focusing on designing and implementing recreational programs and activities for individuals with disabilities. They may work in adaptive sports programs, outdoor recreation organizations, or therapeutic camps, providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in recreational activities and outdoor adventures.
Community Recreation Coordinator: Graduates may work as community recreation coordinators for parks and recreation departments, non-profit organizations, or government agencies. In this role, they develop and oversee recreational programs and events for the community, promote health and wellness initiatives, and collaborate with local stakeholders to enhance access to recreational opportunities for all community members.
Behavioral Health Specialist: Some graduates may choose to work in behavioral health settings, providing recreational therapy services as part of interdisciplinary treatment teams. They may work in psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, or community mental health agencies, using recreational activities to support individuals in achieving their mental health and recovery goals.
Health Educator: Graduates with a B.A. in Recreational Therapy may pursue careers as health educators, focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness through recreational activities and leisure education. They may work in schools, community health organizations, or corporate wellness programs, developing and implementing health promotion initiatives and educational workshops.
Therapeutic Program Director: Graduates may work as therapeutic program directors for non-profit organizations, rehabilitation centers, or healthcare agencies. In this role, they are responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of therapeutic recreation programs, managing program budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices in the field.
Consultant or Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to start their own consulting businesses or entrepreneurial ventures, offering recreational therapy services, program development, or training to healthcare facilities, schools, or community organizations. They may specialize in niche areas such as adventure therapy, aquatic therapy, or recreational therapy for specific populations.
