Linda A. Heyne, Associate Professor and Chair
The Department of Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Services offers three majors - outdoor adventure leadership, recreation management, and therapeutic recreation. These majors allow students to specialize in recreation program areas and settings of particular interest and lead to a broad range of careers in the recreation, park, and leisure professions. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Association for Leisure and Recreation (AALR). Two minors are also available - one in recreation and one in outdoor recreation.
Careers in outdoor recreation are an exciting, varied, and unique aspect of the leisure profession. The outdoor adventure leadership major is designed for the individual who is enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as backpacking, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wilderness travel, and who would like to work in the outdoors in a leadership position. The outdoor adventure leadership curriculum builds outdoor recreation knowledge and skills, as well as develops leadership skills to teach outdoor skills to others and safely oversee outdoor recreation programs. Career opportunities exist in outdoor leadership, outdoor education, team building, camp management, natural resource management, environmental interpretation, programs that serve youth at risk, and the adventure travel industry.
The outdoor adventure leadership program is affiliated with the Wilderness Education Association (WEA). WEA's 18-point curriculum, which emphasizes sound judgment and decision making in the context of acquiring professional knowledge and outdoor skills, is infused within the outdoor adventure leadership curriculum. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for WEA National Standards Program for Outdoor Leadership certification, which is recognized across the country for enhancing safety standards of adventure travel and for wilderness conservation.
1. A student in this major must receive a semester grade of at least C- in all required TRLS-prefix courses.
2. A student who fails to complete a required TRLS- prefix course with a grade of at least C- must repeat the course. The Ithaca College policies on repeating courses must be followed.
Repeating a Course
3. A student who receives less than a C- after repeating a required TRLS-xxxxx course will be subject to dismissal from the program. A student dismissed from the program may be eligible to enter other Ithaca College degree programs.
4. A student dismissed from a professional practicum is subject to receiving a failing grade and, in that case, must complete a prescribed program of remediation prior to a second placement. The student must register again for the practicum. A student dismissed from a professional practicum a second time is subject to dismissal from the program.
5. In exceptional cases, a student may be readmitted to the program upon satisfying conditions determined by the faculty.
At least 60 credits of liberal arts are required to graduate with a B.S. degree. All candidates for the B.S. degree in outdoor adventure leadership must complete a minimum of 120 credits in the components described below.
BIOL-xxxxx |
Biology elective or |
|
EXSS-12000 |
Anatomy and Physiology I (4) |
3-4 |
HIST-27000 |
History of American Environmental Thought |
3 |
MATH-xxxxx |
Mathematics elective |
3-4 |
SPCM-xxxxx |
Speech communication elective (SPCM-11000, SPCM-11500, SPCM-14000, or SPCM-14900) |
3 |
PSYC-10400 |
Introduction to Developmental Psychology or |
|
PSYC-20400 |
Principles of Developmental Psychology |
3 |
SOCI-xxxxx |
Sociology elective |
3 |
WRTG-10600 |
Academic Writing I or |
|
WRTG-11100 |
Academic Writing II |
3 |
WRTG-xxxxx |
Applied writing elective (not WRTG-10100) |
3 |
Total, liberal arts |
24-26 |
POLT-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
POLT-14100 |
Power: Race, Sex, and Class (3) |
|
SPCM-34700 |
Intercultural Communication (3) |
|
SOCI-11600 |
Introduction to Multicultural Studies (3) |
|
SOCI-13000 |
Youth and Youth Cultures (3) |
|
SOCI-20700 |
Race and Ethnicity (3) |
|
SOCI-22600 |
Sociology of Hispanic Americans (3) |
|
SOCI-30300 |
Global Race and Ethnic Relations (3) |
|
SOCI-32500 |
Race, Class, and Gender (3) |
|
ANTH-10400 |
Cultural Anthropology (3) |
|
ANTH-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
HPS-11000 |
War, Hunger, and Genocide (3) |
|
HPS-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
HPS-25000 |
International Health Issues (3) |
|
HINT-31200 |
Health Care and Culture (2) and |
|
HINT-31300 |
Health Care and Culture: International Field Experience (1) |
3 |
Total, cultural diversity |
3 |
Fine arts course |
3 |
|
Total, general requirements (LA) |
30-32 |
TRLS-10300 |
History and Philosophy of Leisure |
3 |
TRLS-10500 |
Leadership |
3 |
TRLS-12500 |
Understanding Disability: Characteristics, Causes, Services |
3 |
TRLS-13900 |
Computer Applications in Recreation |
3 |
TRLS-23200 |
Program Planning |
3 |
TRLS-23500 |
Design and Operation of Areas and Facilities |
3 |
TRLS-33000 |
Administration and Supervision |
3 |
TRLS-33200 |
Research Methods |
3 |
TRLS-34000 |
Inclusive Community Leisure Services |
3 |
TRLS-45300 |
Seminar: Professional Development |
3 |
HLTH-12200 |
Emergency Health Care |
1 |
Total, professional core |
31 |
TRLS-15100 |
Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Pursuits |
3 |
TRLS-21600 |
Outdoor Adventure Skills |
3 |
TRLS-27700 |
Ecotourism and Natural Resource Management or |
|
TRLS-35200 |
Outdoor Education |
3 |
TRLS-35400 |
Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits |
3 |
TRLS-42100 |
Wilderness Expedition Leadership |
3 |
Total, outdoor adventure leadership core |
15 |
A minimum of 6 credits must be earned in either TRLS-34900 or TRLS-44100, both of which can be taken for variable credit. The total number of practicum credits earned for the degree may not exceed 15, including those earned in fieldwork courses outside the major. Practicum credits beyond the 12 required may be counted as free electives. Additionally, students must document a minimum of 750 hours of out-of-class trip leading (e.g., campus clubs, personal trips) as a requirement for graduation from the major. Students will discuss the parameters of this requirement with their adviser upon entry into the major.
Internships must be approved by the department chair. To be eligible for an internship (TRLS-44100), an outdoor adventure leadership major must meet the following prerequisites:
• GPA of at least 2.50 in Department of Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Services courses
• minimum average of 3.00 in TRLS-24800 and TRLS-34800, Fieldwork I and II
• cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 and at least 24 credits earned in the last 12 months
• completion of at least 24 credits of required recreation (TRLS-xxxxx) courses and at least 6 credits of recreation electives (TRLS-xxxxx)
TRLS-24800 |
Fieldwork I |
3 |
TRLS-34800 |
Fieldwork II |
3 |
TRLS-34900 |
Advanced Fieldwork or |
|
TRLS-44100 |
Internship in Recreation and Leisure Studies |
6-9 |
Total, professional practicum |
12-15 |
Total |
17-18 |
Total |
10-14 |
General requirements |
30-32 |
|
Professional core courses |
31 |
|
Outdoor adventure leadership core courses |
15 |
|
Professional practicum |
12-15 |
|
Liberal arts electives |
17-18 |
|
Free electives |
10-14 |
|
Total, B.S. in outdoor adventure leadership |
120 |
Leisure professionals are people who value leisure as a meaningful pursuit across the life span and who work with others to promote personal growth, fitness, wellness, creativity, healthy leisure choices, and overall quality of life through recreation. Recreation management majors gain knowledge and skills in leadership, recreation program planning, group dynamics, facilitation techniques, cultural competence, research methods, supervision, and administration through a variety of in-class and experiential learning activities. Students may specialize in recreation service delivery areas, such as public parks and recreation, youth services, leadership development, commercial recreation, tourism, or hospitality. Students may also choose to combine the major with a minor in, for example, psychology, business, health, or nutrition promotion.
Careers in recreation management are growing, and opportunities exist in a variety of settings. Leisure professionals are employed in parks and recreation departments, nonprofit agencies, fitness centers, youth-serving agencies, and camps. Graduates may also pursue careers in recreation business enterprises, travel and tourism, hospitality, resorts, theme parks, convention centers, events planning, and visitor bureaus. Graduates of the recreation management program are eligible to apply for certification as a certified park and recreation professional through the National Recreation and Park Association.
1. A student in this major must receive a semester grade of at least C- in all required TRLS- prefix courses.
2. A student who fails to complete a required TRLS- prefix course with a grade of at least C- must repeat the course. The Ithaca College policies on repeating courses must be followed.
Repeating a Course
3. A student who receives less than a C- after repeating a required TRLS- course will be subject to dismissal from the program. A student dismissed from the program may be eligible to enter other Ithaca College degree programs.
4. A student dismissed from a professional practicum is subject to receiving a failing grade and, in that case, must complete a prescribed program of remediation prior to a second placement. The student must register again for the practicum. A student dismissed from a professional practicum a second time is subject to dismissal from the program.
5. In exceptional cases, a student may be readmitted to the program upon satisfying conditions determined by the faculty.
At least 60 credits of liberal arts are required to graduate with a B.S. degree. All candidates for the B.S. degree in recreation management must complete a minimum of 120 credits in the components described below.
BIOL-xxxxx |
Biology elective or |
|
EXSS-12000 |
Anatomy and Physiology I (4) |
3-4 |
HIST-xxxxx |
History elective |
3 |
MATH-xxxxx |
Mathematics elective |
3-4 |
SPCM-xxxxx |
Speech communication elective (SPCM-11000, SPCM-11500, SPCM-14000, or SPCM-14900) |
3 |
PSYC-10400 |
Introduction to Developmental Psychology or |
|
PSYC-20400 |
Principles of Developmental Psychology |
3 |
SOCI-xxxxx |
Sociology elective |
3 |
WRTG-10600 |
Academic Writing I or |
|
WRTG-11100 |
Academic Writing II |
3 |
WRTG-xxxxx |
Applied writing elective (not WRTG-10100) |
3 |
Total, liberal arts |
24-26 |
POLT-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
POLT-14100 |
Power: Race, Sex, and Class (3) |
|
SPCM-34700 |
Intercultural Communication (3) |
|
SOCI-11600 |
Introduction to Multicultural Studies (3) |
|
SOCI-13000 |
Youth and Youth Cultures (3) |
|
SOCI-20700 |
Race and Ethnicity (3) |
|
SOCI-22600 |
Sociology of Hispanic Americans (3) |
|
SOCI-30300 |
Global Race and Ethnic Relations (3) |
|
SOCI-32500 |
Race, Class, and Gender (3) |
|
ANTH-10400 |
Cultural Anthropology (3) |
|
ANTH-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
HPS-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
HPS-25000 |
International Health Issues (3) |
|
HINT-31200 |
Health Care and Culture (2) and |
|
HINT-31300 |
Health Care and Culture: International Field Experience (1) |
3 |
Total, cultural diversity |
3 |
Fine arts elective |
3 |
|
Total, general requirements |
30-32 |
TRLS-10300 |
History and Philosophy of Leisure |
3 |
TRLS-10500 |
Leadership |
3 |
TRLS-12500 |
Understanding Disability: Characteristics, Causes, Services |
3 |
TRLS-13900 |
Computer Applications in Recreation |
3 |
TRLS-23200 |
Program Planning |
3 |
TRLS-23500 |
Design and Operation of Areas and Facilities |
3 |
TRLS-33000 |
Administration and Supervision |
3 |
TRLS-33200 |
Research Methods |
3 |
TRLS-34000 |
Inclusive Community Leisure Services |
3 |
TRLS-45300 |
Seminar: Professional Development |
3 |
HLTH-12200 |
Emergency Health Care |
1 |
Total, professional core |
31 |
A minimum of 15 credits is required. Three credits must have a liberal arts (LA) designation. The courses listed below meet the LA requirement. The remaining 12 credits may be selected from any TRLS- prefix courses.
TRLS-15100 |
Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Pursuits (3) |
|
TRLS-21500 |
Youth at Risk (3) |
|
TRLS-23800 |
Leisure and Aging (3) |
|
TRLS-27700 |
Ecotourism and Natural Resource Management (3) |
|
TRLS-33400 |
Leisure Education (3) |
|
TRLS-36600 |
Social and Cultural Aspects of Play (3) |
|
TRLS-45000 |
Independent Study (3) |
|
Total, leisure services electives |
15 |
A minimum of 6 credits must be earned in either TRLS-34900 or TRLS-44100, both of which can be taken for variable credit. The total number of practicum credits earned for the degree may not exceed 15, including those earned in fieldwork courses outside the major. Practicum credits beyond the 12 required may be counted as free electives.
Internships must be approved by the department chair. To be eligible for an internship (TRLS-44100), a recreation management major must meet the following prerequisites:
• GPA of at least 2.50 in Department of Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Services courses
• minimum average of 3.00 in TRLS-24800 and TRLS-34800, Fieldwork I and II
• cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 and at least 24 credits earned in the last 12 months
• completion of at least 24 credits of required recreation courses (TRLS-xxxxx) and at least 6 credits of recreation electives (TRLS-xxxxx)
TRLS-24800 |
Fieldwork I |
3 |
TRLS-34800 |
Fieldwork II |
3 |
TRLS-34900 |
Advanced Fieldwork or |
|
TRLS-44100 |
Internship in Recreation and Leisure Studies |
6-9 |
Total, professional practicum |
12-15 |
Liberal arts electives |
16-18 |
Free electives |
11-14 |
General requirements |
30-32 |
|
Professional core |
31 |
|
Leisure services electives |
15 |
|
Professional practicum |
12-15 |
|
Liberal arts electives |
16-18 |
|
Free electives |
11-14 |
|
Total, B.S. in recreation management |
120 |
Therapeutic recreation offers career opportunities for those who are interested in working with individuals with disabilities and other health conditions by using recreation as an intervention to promote independence, functioning, and quality of life. Therapeutic recreation specialists assess physical, social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning to determine the individual's needs, interests, abilities, and goals. With this information, they develop individualized treatment plans and intervention strategies to address functional limitations and support the individual's goals toward health and wellness.
Therapeutic recreation specialists utilize a wide variety of recreational activities to rehabilitate, maintain, or enhance their clients' functional abilities. These activities can include arts, crafts, music, dance, drama, horticulture, adventure programs, interaction with pets, sports, games, and community-based outings. These activities help individuals build self-esteem, interact effectively with others, develop physical and cognitive abilities, and learn new skills.
Career placements in therapeutic recreation are on the rise, and opportunities are best for individuals with a bachelor's degree. Therapeutic recreation specialists work in a variety of settings. In clinical settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, they treat or rehabilitate individuals with specific medical problems in cooperation with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, social workers, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, among others. In nursing homes and residential facilities, therapeutic recreation specialists utilize activities to enhance general health and quality of life. In the community, therapeutic recreation specialists work with recreation department agencies, special education programs, correctional facilities, youth-at-risk agencies, and programs for older adults. In these settings, therapeutic recreation specialists develop interventions that promote self-efficacy, community inclusion, fitness, healthy leisure behaviors, and overall quality of life.
Graduates of the therapeutic recreation program are eligible to apply for certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. All of the graduates from the therapeutic recreation program have passed the certification exam.
1. A student in the therapeutic recreation major must receive a semester grade of at least C- in all required TRLS- prefix courses.
2. A student who fails to complete a required TRLS- prefix course with at least a C- grade must repeat the course. The Ithaca College policies on repeating courses must be followed.
Repeating a Course
3. A student who receives less than a C- after repeating a required TRLS- prefix course will be subject to dismissal from the program. A student dismissed from the program may be eligible to enter other Ithaca College degree programs.
4. A student dismissed from a professional practicum is subject to receiving a failing grade and, in that case, must complete a prescribed program of remediation prior to a second placement. The student must register again for the practicum. A student dismissed from a professional practicum a second time is subject to dismissal from the program.
5. In an exceptional case, a student may be readmitted to this program upon satisfying conditions determined by the faculty.
At least 60 credits of liberal arts courses are required to graduate with a B.S. degree. All candidates for the B.S. degree in therapeutic recreation must complete a minimum of 120 credits in the various components described below.
HIST-xxxxx |
History elective |
3 |
MATH-xxxxx |
Math elective |
3-4 |
PHIL-23000 |
Bioethics |
3 |
SPCM-xxxxx |
Speech communication (SPCM-11000, SPCM-11500, SPCM-14000, or SPCM-14900) |
3 |
PSYC-10400 |
Introduction to Developmental Psychology or |
|
PSYC-20400 |
Principles of Developmental Psychology |
3 |
PSYC-32100 |
Abnormal Psychology |
3 |
SOCI-xxxxx |
Sociology elective |
3 |
WRTG-10600 |
Academic Writing I or |
|
WRTG-11100 |
Academic Writing II (by placement) |
3 |
WRTG-xxxxx |
Writing elective (not WRTG-10100) |
3 |
Total, liberal arts |
27-28 |
POLT-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
POLT-14100 |
Power: Race, Sex, and Class (3) |
|
SPCM-34700 |
Intercultural Communication (3) |
|
SOCI-11600 |
Introduction to Multicultural Studies (3) |
|
SOCI-13000 |
Youth and Youth Cultures (3) |
|
SOCI-20700 |
Race and Ethnicity (3) |
|
SOCI-22600 |
Sociology of Hispanic Americans (3) |
|
SOCI-30300 |
Global Race and Ethnicity (3) |
|
SOCI-32500 |
Race, Class, and Gender (3) |
|
ANTH-10400 |
Cultural Anthropology (3) |
|
ANTH-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
HPS-11000 |
War, Hunger, and Genocide (3) |
|
HPS-12900 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
HPS-25000 |
International Health Issues (3) |
|
HINT-31200 |
Health Care and Culture (3) and |
|
HINT-31300 |
Health Care and Culture: International Field Experience (1) |
3-4 |
Total, general requirements |
30-31 |
HPS-10200 |
Medical Terminology |
3 |
HPS-20500 |
Critical Health Issues |
3 |
HLTH-12200 |
Emergency Health Care |
1 |
EXSS-12000 |
Anatomy and Physiology I |
4 |
EXSS-12100 |
Anatomy and Physiology II |
4 |
Total, required health science courses |
15 |
TRLS-10300 |
History and Philosophy of Leisure |
3 |
TRLS-10500 |
Leadership |
3 |
TRLS-12500 |
Understanding Disability: Characteristics, Causes, Services |
3 |
TRLS-13900 |
Computer Applications in Recreation |
3 |
TRLS-23200 |
Program Planning |
3 |
TRLS-23500 |
Design and Operation of Areas and Facilities |
3 |
TRLS-33000 |
Administration and Supervision |
3 |
TRLS-33200 |
Research Methods |
3 |
TRLS-xxxxx |
Recreation elective (any recreation course not required in the major) |
3 |
Total, general recreation courses |
27 |
TRLS-23300 |
Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation |
3 |
TRLS-24300 |
Interventions and Protocols in Therapeutic Recreation |
3 |
TRLS-33400 |
Leisure Education |
3 |
TRLS-34000 |
Inclusive Community Leisure Services |
3 |
TRLS-35000 |
Therapeutic Recreation Process I |
3 |
TRLS-35300 |
Clinical Applications in Therapeutic Recreation |
1 |
TRLS-36000 |
Therapeutic Recreation Process II |
3 |
TRLS-43300 |
Administration of Therapeutic Recreation |
3 |
TRLS-45300 |
Seminar: Professional Development |
3 |
Total, therapeutic recreation professional core courses |
25 |
A minimum of 6 credits must be earned in either TRLS-34900 or TRLS-44100, both of which can be taken for variable credit. The total number of practicum credits earned for the degree may not exceed 15, including those credits earned in fieldwork courses outside the major. Practicum credits beyond the 12 required credits may be counted as free electives. Students must complete a minimum of 480 hours over a period of no less than 12 consecutive weeks. No less than 20 hours can be completed in any week.
Internships must be approved by the department chair. To be eligible for an internship (TRLS-44100), a therapeutic recreation major must meet the following prerequisites:
• GPA of at least 2.50 in Department of Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Services (TRLS-xxxxx) courses
• minimum average of 3.00 in TRLS-24800 Fieldwork I and TRLS-34800 Fieldwork II
• cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 and at least 24 credits earned in the last 12 months
• completion of a majority of the therapeutic recreation professional core
TRLS-24800 |
Fieldwork I |
3 |
TRLS-34800 |
Fieldwork II |
3 |
TRLS-34900 |
Advanced Fieldwork or |
|
TRLS-44100 |
Internship in Recreation and Leisure Studies |
6-9 |
Total, professional practicum |
12-15 |
Total |
3-7 |
Total |
2-4 |
General requirements |
30-31 |
|
Required health science courses |
15 |
|
General recreation courses |
27 |
|
Therapeutic recreation professional core courses |
25 |
|
Professional practicum |
12-15 |
|
Liberal arts electives |
3-7 |
|
Free electives |
2-4 |
|
Total, B.S. in therapeutic recreation |
120 |
Open to students majoring in all disciplines except recreation management, outdoor adventure leadership, and therapeutic recreation.
The academic minor in recreation is designed to increase the student's awareness of the importance and extent of leisure and recreation in modern society and to prepare the student to plan, organize, and lead a recreation program of limited scope in a variety of settings.
In addition to the minimum credit requirements for this minor, students must either provide documented evidence that they have had at least 200 hours of work or volunteer experience in the areas of recreation programming or leadership with a leisure service agency, or complete the course TRLS-24800 Fieldwork I.. Experience from other course requirements or before admission to the minor program will not satisfy the experiential requirement.
TRLS-10100 |
Leisure and Society (3) or |
|
TRLS-10300 |
History and Philosophy of Leisure (3) |
3 |
TRLS-10500 |
Leadership |
3 |
TRLS-23200 |
Program Planning |
3 |
HLTH-12200 |
Emergency Health Care |
1 |
TRLS-xxxxx |
Recreation electives |
6 |
Total, recreation minor |
16 |
Open to students majoring in all disciplines except outdoor adventure leadership, recreation management, and therapeutic recreation.
Outdoor recreation is being utilized in many settings. Businesses support "high adventure" programs for their executives. Social service agencies offer camping and outdoor adventure programs for clients. Schools use outdoor education and camping programs as part of their curriculum. This academic minor prepares students to plan, organize, and lead outdoor recreation programs of limited scope.
TRLS-10500 |
Leadership |
3 |
TRLS-15100 |
Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Pursuits |
3 |
TRLS-21600 |
Outdoor Adventure Skills |
3 |
HLTH-12200 |
Emergency Health Care |
1 |
TRLS-25000 |
Rock Climbing (1) |
|
TRLS-25500 |
Outdoor Adventures for People with Differing |
|
TRLS-27700 |
Ecotourism and Natural Resource Management (1-3) |
|
TRLS-35200 |
Outdoor Education (3) |
|
TRLS-35400 |
Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits (3) |
|
TRLS-42100 |
Wilderness Expedition Leadership (3) |
|
TRLS-xxxxx |
Experimental or new course related to outdoor recreation (1-3) |
6 |
Total, outdoor recreation minor |
16 |
In addition to the minimum credit-hour requirements to complete the minor, students must provide documented evidence verifying that they have had at least 200 hours of work or volunteer experience in outdoor recreation leadership or programming, or complete the course TRLS-24800 Fieldwork I. Experience obtained as a result of other course requirements or prior to admission to the minor program will not satisfy the experiential requirement.
A maximum of 6 credits will be accepted in transfer for this minor. These credits may be obtained from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound, or other experiential programs giving academic credit. In most cases, these credits will be substituted for TRLS-21600 Outdoor Adventure Skills or TRLS-42100 Wilderness Expedition Leadership.