Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation

The Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation is a program designed to prepare students for professional work with persons in various underserved populations and as advocates for social inclusion. The major emphasizes the use of a systematic process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to provide equitable opportunity for recreation, leisure, and play by diverse populations.

Program Overview

The curriculum consists of two tracks designed to allow students to acquire in-depth knowledge in their chosen area of interest. The courses in each track provide an opportunity for students to tailor the degree to best fit their career goals and academic interests.

Inclusive Recreation Track

• The inclusive recreation track (57–60 semester hours) allows students to gain knowledge in a variety of domains related to adaptive and inclusive recreation.
• Students may choose to focus on a certain population or diversify their experience through their curriculum design.

National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Track

• The NCTRC track (63–66 semester hours) focuses on developing therapeutic recreation competencies necessary to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification examination and successfully pursue a career in clinical or community therapeutic recreation.

Degree Requirements

• The Bachelor of Science with a major in therapeutic recreation requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, including 57–66 semester hours of work for the major, which varies by track.
• Students must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major.
• They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core.

Learning Outcomes

The BS degree in therapeutic recreation:

• Instills an understanding and appreciation of leisure, recreation, and play in diverse and inclusive settings
• Prepares students for professional fields and/or graduate study through the integration of research and critical thinking
• Provides service and experiential learning to enhance students' leadership strengths and their ability to build therapeutic relationships
• Teaches critical skills necessary in inclusive practice to assess, plan goals, design appropriate interventions, and evaluate effectiveness
• Instructs students in the practice of inclusion for persons of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and cultures
• Teaches students how to facilitate inclusive and therapeutic recreation programs

U2G Program in Health and Human Physiology, Sub-Track Child Life

Program Overview

The combined program allows qualified students to begin work toward a master's degree while they complete their bachelor's degree. It permits students to count certain courses toward both degrees, completing them in less time than they would need to complete each degree separately.

Program Qualifications

Applicants to the combined program must:

• Be enrolled as a BA/BS student at the University of Iowa
• Have completed a minimum of 80 semester hours at the time of admission to the combined program, with at least 30 semester hours earned at the University of Iowa
• Have a cumulative University of Iowa GPA of at least 3.25
• Have completed all GE CLAS Core requirements and all prerequisites
  • Human anatomy
  • Medical terminology
  • Two child development courses (focus on children 0-18)
  • Strongly recommended—an introductory course in child life

U2G Program Application Process

Applicants must submit a letter of application to the program that includes a statement of purpose, a résumé, and three letters of recommendation. Each application is reviewed by the program and requires support from the applicant's undergraduate advisor. Recommendations for approval will be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College.

Therapeutic Recreation Faculty

• Chih-Chia (JJ) Chen, Assistant Professor
• Gayle Dombroski, Assistant Professor of Instruction
• Kristina Gordon, Assistant Professor of Instruction
• Adrienne Johnson, Associate Professor of Instruction, Internship Coordinator, TRCL Director of Undergraduate Studies
• Emily Mozena, Professor of Instruction, Director of Graduate Studies, MS Child Life, Director of Undergraduate Studies, BS Therapeutic Recreation
• Bri Swope, Associate Professor of Instruction

Conclusion

The Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Iowa offers students a comprehensive education in therapeutic recreation, preparing them for careers in clinical or community therapeutic recreation. With its two tracks and emphasis on inclusive recreation, the program provides students with a strong foundation in the field and prepares them for professional certification. The U2G program in Health and Human Physiology, Sub-Track Child Life, offers qualified students the opportunity to begin work toward a master's degree while completing their bachelor's degree, providing a unique and efficient path to advanced education in the field.