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Bachelor of Science

Therapeutic Recreation (B.S.)

Department of Human Performance and Recreation
Help people improve their well-being through recreation! A degree in Therapeutic Recreation trains students to work in hospitals, assisted living, and community programs—in roles such as recreation therapists, therapeutic recreation specialists, and activity directors or activity coordinators.

Therapeutic Recreation Introduction

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Learn More About the Therapeutic Recreation Program
Request more information about the Therapeutic Recreation program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

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Recreational Therapy is one of the fastest-growing allied health-related professions in the United States. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) serve individuals with disabilities (physical, mental, intellectual, etc.). They use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings to help maintain or improve a patient's physical, social, and emotional well-being.

They also serve at-risk children, youth, and senior citizens in institutional and community settings. Other settings could include hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, wilderness programs, community centers, and senior centers.

Therapeutic Recreation combines science, service, and hands-on practice. Students will learn:

  • Understanding human behavior and anatomy. 
  • The foundations of therapeutic practice 
  • Assessing individual needs and creating effective treatment or activity plans 
  • Applying evidence-based methods to support progress 
  • Building professional communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills
Accelerated options are available for the Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation degree. See an academic advisor for more information.

Academic Advising

Find Out if This Degree Is Right for You!

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Highlighted Courses

Prepare to improve lives through purposeful recreation by studying human anatomy, psychology, program planning, inclusive recreation, and therapy techniques used in rehabilitation and healthcare settings.
Inclusion and Disabilities in Therapeutic Recreation
October 31, 2025 11:49 AM
RM 212
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Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology
November 03, 2025 08:30 AM
BIO 230
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Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation
October 31, 2025 11:52 AM
RM 270
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Medical Terminology
November 03, 2025 08:20 AM
HCA 280
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Abnormal Psychology
September 26, 2025 10:16 AM
PSYCH 342
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Adaptive Recreation in Therapeutic Recreation
November 03, 2025 08:38 AM
RM 366
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Therapeutic Recreation: Evidence Practice
October 31, 2025 11:54 AM
RM 371
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Therapeutic Recreation: Assessment and Evaluation
November 03, 2025 08:17 AM
RM 471
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4-Year Plan
See Example Class Plan
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See all required courses

Salary Outlook for BYUI Graduates

Explore earnings data for BYU-Idaho graduates in therapeutic recreation-related fields.

1 year

$39,163

Average Salary

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This data is based on outcomes for BYU-Idaho graduates with a degree in this major, using federal Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) data. It reflects actual earnings and employment over time, rather than job market estimates.

Career Possibilities for Therapeutic Recreation

Graduates with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

Career Options

Data Source: Industry and occupation employment and wage estimates are modeled using data from Lightcast, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other public sources. Figures are estimates and actual outcomes may vary by employer, experience, and location.

Dive Deeper Into Therapeutic Recreation

Explore helpful articles about this major, including career paths, skills, and opportunities. Get the insight you need to make an informed decision about your future at BYU-Idaho.

Explore Major Discovery
Male student in a wheelchair playing basketball.
Industry Insights
How Play Heals: Inside the World of Therapeutic Recreation
July 09, 2026 03:36 PM
If you’ve ever eased stress with a walk, lifted your mood by spending time with friends, or felt more motivated after doing something creative, you’ve already experienced a hint of what therapeutic recreation aims to do. Therapeutic Recreation (TR) uses purposeful, engaging activities, such as art, movement, nature experiences, sports, and social interaction, to help people heal, grow, and regain strength.
6 Min Read
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A professor teaches students with hands on experiences in the classroom.
Find the Right Fit
How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
July 09, 2026 01:38 PM
Choosing a career in healthcare means making a big impact on individual lives. Physical therapy especially helps people move, recover, and live independently after serious injury or illness. This could be the right field for you, and if you’re interested in a fast track into a career in physical therapy, then consider becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA). It allows you to make a direct difference in the lives of your patients, and it usually only takes two years to finish your education.
3 Min Read
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Bikes at Porter Park - Sep 2021
Career Possibilities
Prepare for a Career in Therapeutic Recreation
July 09, 2026 04:02 PM
Therapeutic recreation uses meaningful activities to help people in their physical and mental health, healing, independence, and overall quality of life. Through movement, creativity, and social connection, professionals in this field support individuals as they navigate health and life challenges.
6 Min Read
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AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

Learn more about AI in Academics
AI in Therapeutic Recreation
You will learn to thoughtfully apply artificial intelligence to support data informed treatment planning and improve documentation efficiency while maintaining a focus on individual client needs. Our curriculum emphasizes the ethical use of technology to augment clinical reasoning and advocate for human dignity within the therapeutic process.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

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Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.)
Help patients recover movement and manage pain under a physical therapist’s care.
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A professor and students go hiking on a massive rocky mountainside.
Recreation Management (B.S.)
Plan, organize, and lead leisure and recreational activities.
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Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Learn How to Apply
Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
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Change Your Major
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.
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Learn More About the Therapeutic Recreation Program

Request more information about the Therapeutic Recreation program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

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