Bachelors in Recreational Therapy

The Bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy program at Slippery Rock University prepares students to use recreational activities as therapeutic interventions to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. This program emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, integrating therapeutic practices with recreational activities to enhance the quality of life for clients. Graduates are equipped to work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations, fostering the belief that recreation is essential for health and wellness.

CARTE-Accredited: The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE), ensuring that it meets rigorous standards for educational quality and effectiveness. This accreditation reflects the university's commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for successful careers in recreational therapy and ensures that they possess the necessary competencies to excel in the field.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the Bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy includes core courses such as Therapeutic Recreation, Program Planning and Evaluation, and Medical Terminology. Students also take courses in anatomy, psychology, and adaptive sports to gain a well-rounded understanding of the diverse needs of their future clients. The program emphasizes experiential learning, with hands-on opportunities to develop practical skills through internships, fieldwork, and community service projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Research Focus: The program encourages students to engage in research related to recreational therapy, focusing on topics such as the impact of recreation on mental health, the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, and innovative practices in the field. Faculty members actively participate in research initiatives, providing mentorship and support to students interested in exploring these critical areas. Research opportunities enhance students' understanding of evidence-based practices and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Industry Engagement: Slippery Rock University fosters strong connections with industry partners, facilitating internships and experiential learning opportunities for students. The program collaborates with local healthcare facilities, recreational organizations, and nonprofit agencies, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and network with professionals in the field. Industry engagement ensures that students are well-prepared for the workforce and can apply their knowledge in practical settings.

Global Perspective: The Bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy program at SRU incorporates a global perspective by addressing the diverse cultural, social, and economic factors that influence recreational therapy practices worldwide. Students learn about international standards for therapeutic recreation and the importance of cultural competence in providing effective care. Opportunities for study abroad and international internships further enrich the program, preparing students to work in a globalized healthcare environment.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $30

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 62 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.

The university offers various scholarship opportunities to help ease the financial burden and promote academic excellence. 

Global Ambassador Scholarship: The Global Ambassador Scholarship is designed for international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a promoting cultural understanding. This scholarship is competitive and offers financial assistance.

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic performance and potential contributions to the SRU community. The scholarship aims to attract talented individuals from around the world.

International Achievement Scholarship: The International Achievement Scholarship recognizes students who have excelled in their academic pursuits and have a strong record of community involvement or leadership. This scholarship is merit-based and contributes to tuition costs.

Transfer Student Scholarship: SRU provides specific scholarship opportunities for international transfer students who have completed coursework at another institution. Transfer Student Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and potential contributions to the university.

Foundation Scholarships: The university's foundation offers a range of scholarships to both domestic and international students. These scholarships may be based on factors such as academic achievement, financial need, and specific areas of study.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at SRU may have department-specific scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in those fields. These scholarships are often linked to academic performance and major-specific criteria.

Athletic Scholarships: Talented international student-athletes may be eligible for athletic scholarships if they participate in SRU's NCAA Division II sports programs. These scholarships are typically awarded based on athletic ability and contribution to the university's athletic teams.

Graduates of the Bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy program at Slippery Rock University are well-prepared for a variety of rewarding career paths in the healthcare and recreational fields.

Recreational Therapist: Graduates can work directly as recreational therapists, designing and implementing therapeutic recreation programs to help clients improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. They assess clients’ needs and develop individualized treatment plans that incorporate recreational activities.

Program Coordinator: Graduates can take on roles as program coordinators in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or community organizations. They manage recreational therapy programs, oversee staff, and ensure that activities align with therapeutic goals for various populations.

Activity Director: In long-term care facilities or senior centers, graduates can work as activity directors, planning and leading recreational activities that enhance the quality of life for residents and promote social engagement.

Clinical Rehabilitation Specialist: Graduates can work as clinical rehabilitation specialists, assisting clients with disabilities or chronic illnesses in regaining their independence through recreational activities that promote physical and emotional recovery.

Health and Wellness Educator: Graduates may pursue roles as health and wellness educators, providing information and resources to communities about the benefits of recreation and active living, as well as leading workshops and programs.

Adaptive Sports Coach: For those interested in sports, graduates can become adaptive sports coaches, working with individuals with disabilities to develop their skills in various sports and recreational activities, fostering inclusivity in physical fitness.

Community Outreach Coordinator: Graduates can work as community outreach coordinators, connecting individuals with recreational therapy services, organizing events, and advocating for the benefits of recreational therapy in enhancing community health.

Nonprofit Sector Professional: Graduates may find careers in nonprofit organizations that focus on improving health and wellness through recreation, developing programs and initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations.

Research Assistant: Graduates interested in the academic side of recreational therapy can work as research assistants in studies focused on the impact of recreational activities on health outcomes, contributing to the advancement of the field.

Graduate Studies: Many graduates choose to pursue further education in related fields such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, or social work, enhancing their qualifications and broadening their career opportunities.