Degrees, Majors, and Certificates
Therapeutic Recreation
The major in therapeutic recreation prepares students to assume positions as therapeutic recreation specialists, also known as recreational therapists. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Professionals assess individuals' needs, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs, and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. All students graduating from the major are eligible to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination.
Special Opportunities
The major in therapeutic recreation provides students with opportunities for direct experience with clients with disabilities through local agencies. Through class practica, projects, internship opportunities, and field experiences, students learn intervention planning, therapeutic communication skills, service planning, and intervention techniques. The Therapeutic Recreation Club is a student club that promotes the professional development and growth of its majors. Students in both undergraduate and graduate programs have opportunities to participate in faculty research.
Careers
Careers for B.S. degree-Graduates with a B.S. assume positions in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, community settings, residential programs, school settings, and partial hospitalization programs. The largest area of employment is in psychiatric/behavioral health settings, followed by geriatric settings, physical rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities.
Careers for M.S. degree-Graduates with an M.S. degree may assume positions as master clinicians who work directly in client care services as well as administrative positions supervising departments or service lines.
Degree Programs
As time passes, improvements and changes are made by faculty to academic programs. Students are subject to the set of degree requirements in place during the first term in which the student is enrolled in a degree program on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University. This set of requirements is what shows up on a student’s online academic advisement report. However, students may elect to move to any newer set of requirements. Students wishing to do this must contact the School of HPER Records Office to request the change. Students are responsible for knowing the requirements for their degree(s). For assistance with degree requirements, see your departmental advisor. Below are links to sets of degree requirements. Please pay attention to effective date ranges to determine which link to open to see your requirements.
Master of Science in Recreation
For more information, contact:
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies
School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Indiana University
HPER 133
1025 E. Seventh Street
Bloomington, IN 47405-7109
Phone: (812) 855-4711
E-mail:
