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Parks and Recreation Management (Therapeutic Recreation) ,BS

Parks and Recreation Management (Therapeutic Recreation), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Parks and Recreation Management (Therapeutic Recreation)

Adaptive Recreation, Disability, Health, Inclusive Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Therapist, Therapy, Wellness, aging, youth

ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Students interested in this program should apply directly to the BS in Parks, Recreation and Sport Management.


Live your best life and help others do the same. Become a recreational therapist and make a difference in the lives of individuals who live with illness and disabling conditions. Use activity-based therapeutic interventions, empower people to live a healthy leisure lifestyle and enjoy a rewarding career through your work with human service and recreation programs in the community.

Program description

The BS program in parks and recreation management with a concentration in therapeutic recreation prepares students to apply for eligibility to take the national professional certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. https://www.nctrc.org

The degree program prepares competent entry-level recreational therapists with the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to improve functional outcomes and increase participation in life activities with individuals experiencing health conditions. It is designed for students who want to learn to conduct assessments, develop service plans, implement therapeutic interventions, and evaluate and document outcomes of care. They gain skills to effectively provide comprehensive therapeutic recreation services that include program design and evaluation, individual and group service provision, and advocacy. The required fieldwork component of the program facilitates the development of competencies needed to provide quality recreational therapy services.

Students who choose this degree program are truly committed to improving people's lives and contributing to their communities. It is one of two such programs in Arizona, both offered by the School of Community Resources and Development. This program prepares students to provide recreational therapy services in community settings such as youth programs, adaptive sports, or parks and recreation while the Bachelor of Science in recreational therapy has a heavier emphasis on health care settings such as hospitals and human service agencies.

The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions accredits this degree program.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Downtown Phoenix campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

With more than 300 programs in more than 65 countries (programs vary in length, from one week to one year), studying abroad is possible for all ASU students who wish to acquire global skills and knowledge in preparation for a future-focused career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.

Career opportunities

There is a wide range of job opportunities for therapeutic recreation professionals, including in clinical settings such as hospitals and nursing homes, adventure programming for youth-at-risk and people with disabilities, and community programs offered through parks and recreation departments.

Professional licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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