The Bachelor of Science degree program in recreational therapy offers professional preparation for a career as a therapeutic recreation specialist. The recreational therapy program is designed to prepare students for professional positions in a variety of settings. Therapeutic recreation specialists may work with individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional or social limitations in clinical, residential or community-based settings.
The Bachelor of Science degree in recreational therapy prepares students to sit for the national Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Recreational Therapy BS Degree Requirements (120 hours)
Recreational Therapy BS Semester Guide
Availability: Hattiesburg Campus
Admission Requirements: See University Admission Policies
Program Academic Policies and Requirements:
Program Progression Standards
The following progression policies apply to all students in the recreational therapy program as well as students transferring to the program:
- A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required to transfer to the major.
- Students must have a 2.2 cumulative GPA or a 2.5 GPA in major requirements including BSC 250 /BSC 250L , BSC 251 /BSC 251L and PSY 110 for the recreational therapy program emphasis and all other course work completed to begin internship.
- Students will be given two opportunities to repeat an HPR course in which they failed to achieve the minimum required grade (“C” or higher). Students failing to achieve the minimum required grade on the third attempt will be unable to continue their program of study in Recreational Therapy. A student dismissed from the program may submit a written petition to the coordinator of Recreational Therapy for consideration for readmission to the program. This written petition will be review by the Recreational Therapy Faculty as a whole and a final decision will be made.
Practicum and Internship: All students in recreational therapy are required to enroll in three hours of HPR 210 - Practicum and 12 hours of HPR 495 - Internship . The practica are taken on three occasions over three separate semesters for one credit hour each. The third and final practicum must be taken in the semester immediately prior to internship. 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 14-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.
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