Recreational Therapy, M.S.

About the Program

The 36-credit online M.S. in Recreational Therapy is designed for individuals who want to advance their knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice within healthcare and human services. The curriculum teaches from a conceptual model of health promotion and rehabilitation and maintains a lifespan perspective in three core areas: health, disability, and leisure. The primary focus of academic and clinical preparation is on training recreational therapists to use play, recreation, and leisure to achieve and maintain goals related to health promotion, rehabilitation, and full participation in an active, meaningful life. Specialization coursework can be used to meet advanced certification.

The faculty utilize contemporary educational and learning technologies to impart the most current cutting-edge practitioner and leadership skills central to today’s healthcare and human service provision. This is done while maintaining the timeless concepts of health, recreation, and leisure as that is what drives the human spirit. The online M.S. in Recreational Therapy program is designed for those who strive to be leaders in recreational therapy and share a drive to improve the lives of others while harnessing the value inherent in, and benefits derived from, recreational activities.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years

Campus Location: Online, with a combination of asynchronous components (discussion boards and other assignments completed by students on their own time) and synchronous components (web conference–based live class discussions, chat rooms, and video meetings)

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Interdisciplinary Study: Interdisciplinary study is encouraged and may be geared toward the student's personal interests (e.g., counseling, exercise science, or special education). The diversity of departments and programs in the College of Public Health presents abundant opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning.

Affiliation(s): Numerous healthcare and human service agencies in Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware Valley region cooperate with the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and offer opportunities for student training and research. These include nationally recognized rehabilitation facilities such as Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, MossRehab, the Princeton Medical Center, Shriner's Hospital, the Temple University Hospital and Health System, and the Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center.

Additionally, graduate students are encouraged and supported to complete internships/clinical practicums in an extensive network of agencies cultivated by the program over the years. These include placements across the country, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Montana, and Virginia.

Ranking: The faculty and the program are nationally recognized for excellence and have received numerous national and state awards for their contributions. Graduates of the program consistently perform well on the national credentialing examination for certified recreational therapists.

Accreditation: The academic program meets or exceeds all current curriculum standards issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and other professional organizations.

Areas of Specialization: Faculty members specialize and offer learning opportunities in adapted sport and inclusive recreation, behavioral health, disability studies, geriatrics, health promotion and rehabilitation, pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation.

Job Prospects: Graduates of the program are highly sought for advanced clinical/management positions in adult day programs, assisted living facilities, community settings providing specialized services to individuals with disabilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and pediatric facilities. Graduates who use the degree to enter this field are also highly sought after to begin practicing as recreational therapists.

Certification: Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals when they meet the agency's stringent standards. For more information, see https://www.nctrc.org/.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students are allowed to take up to 9 credits of graduate coursework before matriculation. Selection of courses must be made in conjunction with the Graduate Program Director in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Financing Opportunities: Limited funding opportunities are sometimes available in the form of teaching or research assistantships or externships:

Assistants are expected to devote up to 20 hours per week to teaching or research obligations. Availability depends on courses offered or whether faculty have externally funded research grants. Assignments vary depending on the nature of the grant. Assistantships carry a stipend and partial or full tuition remission.
Graduate Externships are available through other divisions of the university. For example, Temple University's Campus Recreation office hires externs to conduct student recreation events, and the Institute on Disabilities hires externs to assist with various projects. Externs do not receive tuition remission. Externship positions are handled directly by the units offering them.

Applying for a position as a Teaching or Research Assistant or Graduate Extern is done online and involves outlining relevant qualifications and experience. Students are notified as opportunities become available.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1

All applicants to the M.S. in Recreational Therapy program must apply via the Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS). The system can be accessed at https://sophas.liaisoncas.com/.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

From Whom: One letter of recommendation should be written by a faculty member who can comment on your academic ability. The others can be from professional references who can speak to your work-related competencies.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: If admitted, students lacking NCTRC national credentialing are required to take leveling and supportive undergraduate courses in addition to the M.S. degree requirements.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required. All undergraduate majors are considered. A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required, but applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for admission based on scores at or above the 65th percentile on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or a GPA of 3.25 in 9 credits of graduate-level coursework.

Statement of Goals: In 500 to 1,000 words, describe your background, interests, accomplishments, and career goals. Specifically, explain why your interests and goals make you a good fit for a career in Recreational Therapy. Include any experience you have working with individuals with disabilities and/or in the recreation field, if applicable. Focus on producing a clear, well-written document as the master’s program emphasizes scholarly writing.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE or MAT: Required. Official scores should be sent directly to SOPHAS using code 0151. The GRE may be waived for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above. This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the applicant should contact the CPH Office of Admissions to discuss further.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

TOEFL iBT: 79 (send officially to SOPHAS using the SOPHAS-specific TOEFL code of 5688)
IELTS Academic: 6.5
PTE Academic: 53

Clearances: The Recreational Therapy M.S. program requires students to complete clinical/field education experiences at various facilities. These placements require criminal background checks, Act 33/34 clearances, and perhaps a drug screen. Placements may also require the student to maintain personal health insurance and/or to submit proof of a physical and immunization records. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student, thus resulting in her/his inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act may prevent the individual from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice in the field of therapeutic recreation.

Resume: Current professional resume required.

Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an accredited institution are considered for transfer into the M.S. in Recreational Therapy degree program. Such courses are reviewed by the M.S. Program Coordinator to determine whether they are equivalent to coursework offered at Temple and fulfill any degree requirements. The grade must be a "B" or better in order to transfer. The maximum number of credits that may be transferred into the M.S. program is 6. These credits must have been earned within five years of applying to the program.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate:

36 for those who hold NCTRC national certification (see Course Sequence A).
36 plus 6 credits of Recreational Therapy-specific leveling coursework for those without NCTRC national certification (see Course Sequence B). Note that other supportive coursework may be required to sit for the national credentialing examination for therapeutic recreation specialist certification. Specialization electives can be used to meet advanced certification from NCTRC after one year of full-time employment as a recreational therapist.

Required Courses:

Course Sequence A (for those with NCTRC national certification)

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
HRPR 5001	Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions ¹	0
A1: Required Core Graduate Courses
RCTH 5001	Graduate Research I in Recreational Therapy	3
RCTH 5102	Recreational Therapy: Now and Then	3
RCTH 5301	Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy I	3
RCTH 5302	Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy II	3
RCTH 5311	Conceptual and Contemporary Issues in Recreational Therapy	3
RCTH 5312	Leisure, Health, and Recreational Therapy Interventions	3
RCTH 5402	Recreational Therapy Administration and Management	3
RCTH 5442	Program Planning and Practice in Recreational Therapy	3
A2: Electives
Select four of the following based on interests/needs:		12
HRPR 8985	Teaching in Higher Education: Health Professions
RCTH 5009	Entrepreneurship in the Health Professions
RCTH 5101	Health, Activity and Aging in Recreational Therapy
RCTH 5201	Managing Dementia Care
RCTH 5204	Recreational Therapy and Assistive Technology
RCTH 5212	Play and Development
RCTH 5213	Therapeutic Play, Recreation and Children's Health
RCTH 5214	Child Life Interventions
RCTH 5250	Special Topics in Recreational Therapy Practicum
RCTH 5314	Leisure-time Physical Activity and Community Engagement in Recreational Therapy
RCTH 5315	Social Engagement and Community Participation in Recreational Therapy
RCTH 5316	Measuring Health and Disability: The ICF Model
RCTH 5382	Independent Study
Total Credit Hours		36

This common College Core course is required of all incoming graduate students in the College of Public Health. It is available completely online and designed such that students can complete the modules at their own pace over the course of their degree program.

Course Sequence B (for those without NCTRC national certification)

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
HRPR 5001	Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions ¹	0
B1: Required Leveling/Supportive Undergraduate Courses ²
KINS 1223	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
PSY 2201	Foundations of Psychopathology	3
PSY 2301	Foundations of Developmental Psychology	3
RCTH 3096	Assessment and Documentation in Recreational Therapy	3
Additional credits in a variety of Health and Human Service content areas (e.g., medical terminology, public health, social work, sociology, etc.)		9

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
B2: Required Core Graduate Courses
RCTH 5001	Graduate Research I in Recreational Therapy	3
RCTH 5102	Recreational Therapy: Now and Then	3
RCTH 5301	Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy I	3
RCTH 5302	Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy II	3
RCTH 5311	Conceptual and Contemporary Issues in Recreational Therapy	3
RCTH 5312	Leisure, Health, and Recreational Therapy Interventions	3
RCTH 5402	Recreational Therapy Administration and Management	3
RCTH 5442	Program Planning and Practice in Recreational Therapy	3
RCTH 5787	Recreational Therapy Practicum ³	3
B3: Electives
Select three of the following based on interests/needs:		9
RCTH 5009	Entrepreneurship in the Health Professions
RCTH 5101	Health, Activity and Aging in Recreational Therapy
RCTH 5201	Managing Dementia Care
RCTH 5204	Recreational Therapy and Assistive Technology
RCTH 5212	Play and Development
RCTH 5213	Therapeutic Play, Recreation and Children's Health
RCTH 5214	Child Life Interventions
RCTH 5250	Special Topics in Recreational Therapy Practicum
RCTH 5261	Recreational Therapy and Disabilities Seminar I
RCTH 5271	Recreational Therapy and Disabilities Seminar II
RCTH 5314	Leisure-time Physical Activity and Community Engagement in Recreational Therapy
RCTH 5315	Social Engagement and Community Participation in Recreational Therapy
RCTH 5316	Measuring Health and Disability: The ICF Model
RCTH 5382	Independent Study
Total Credit Hours		36

Depending on one's undergraduate major, some requirements may have already been completed. These credits do not count toward the M.S. credit totals, but are needed in order to be eligible to sit for the NCTRC certification exam (see https://www.nctrc.org/). The M.S. Program Coordinator reviews official transcript(s) and identifies any coursework needed. Any uncompleted requirements may be taken at an institution other than Temple University, with approval of the M.S. Program Coordinator. All required leveling/supportive undergraduate coursework must be completed by the time the student has accrued 15 credits in the M.S. program at Temple University.

RCTH 5787 Recreational Therapy Practicum is a 600-hour field placement experience under the supervision of a full-time Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) at an approved agency site. The student works with a faculty advisor in the selection of a site for this experience. RCTH 5787 is designed to meet NCTRC internship requirements for eligibility to sit for the NCTRC certification exam.

Culminating Events: Successful completion of coursework constitutes the culminating event.

Courses

THRC 5009. Entrepreneurship in the Health Professions. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to entrepreneurship. The goal of the course is to demonstrate the links between knowledge, experience and skills and commercial possibilities. The course integrates a number of different disciplines, ranging from sociology and psychology to economics, finance, marketing and human resource management. Through assigned readings, class discussions, activities and guest lectures from various professional fields, students will be challenged to apply theoretical principles, concepts and frameworks to real world situations.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5101. Health, Activity and Aging. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an interdisciplinary lifespan-oriented overview of the aging process, with an emphasis on its interrelationships with health and activity. Particular emphasis is given to the roles of leisure, health, activity, and environment in promoting health and well-being, as well as accommodations that may be necessary to maintain the health and well-being of older adults. Given the diversity of aging populations, topics such as gender, ethnicity, and lifelong disabilities are also addressed.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5102. Orientation TR. 2 to 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5204. Recreation Therapy and Assistive Technology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the role of assistive technology (AT) in promoting the full inclusion and community participation of persons with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the AT devices and services that promote functional independence and participation in the community and in physically and socially active recreation and leisure.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5205. RT Geriatric Services. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5211. Rec Th & Phys Rehab. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5212. Play and Development. 3 Credit Hours.

This blended course (i.e., online and classroom) explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of play and the dynamic relationship between child's play and development. The course examines the intersection of gender, race/ethnicity, culture, community, media, and technology with play and development. Topics include play of typically and atypically developing children, assessing play behaviors, designing multipurpose play environments, and current efforts to reinvigorate the culture of play in children development. NOTE: Undergraduates may register for this course with permission of the instructor. Also, previous coursework in developmental psychology, child/adolescent psychology, or lifespan/human development is suggested.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5213. Therapeutic Play, Recreation and Children's Health. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the range of organized and structured play and recreation services used by recreation therapists to promote health, well-being, and social inclusion of children. The course examines developmental and psychosocial needs resulting from trauma, abuse, chronic illnesses, and other disabling conditions, and the use of play and recreation modalities to promote resiliency, recovery and hope within myriad service settings including hospitals, residential treatment centers, schools, camps, and municipal recreation departments. NOTE: Undergraduates may register for this course with permission of the instructor. Also, previous coursework in developmental psychology, child/adolescent psychology or lifespan/human development is suggested.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5214. Child Life Interventions. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines Foundation of Child Life practice, including theories and methods used to reduce stress and increase child/family abilities to cope with illness and hospitalization. The course includes rationale and evidence for interventions related to techniques to prepare children for medical procedures, pain management, coping skills, family-centered care, and bereavement support. Students learn about credentialing requirements for Child Life Specialists, and are required to engage in field-based experiential learning. NOTE: Undergraduates may register for this course with permission of the instructor.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5243. Managing Dementia Care. 3 Credit Hours.

Utilizing a person-centered and interdisciplinary approach, the course explores the strategies for assisting practitioners, agencies, families and caregivers with balancing the needs and behaviors of the individual with dementia, and the social and physical environments in which the person with dementia is placed. Students will apply fundamental principles for the design and evaluation of activity-based, psychosocial programs for this population. Models for managing problem behaviors while respecting the needs of the client will be explored. This course seeks to emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary support and is therefore appropriate for students of healthcare disciplines that utilize an activity-based approach. NOTE: Prior courses in lifespan/human development and anatomy are suggested. Undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5250. Special Topics in TR Practicum. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

Contemporary issues related to new methods and areas of TR practice, including assistive technology, TR in school settings, home health care, and community leisure programs for individuals with disabilities are covered.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

THRC 5261. Therapeutic Recreation and Disabilities Seminar I. 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar combines literature research on issues associated with mental health, developmental disabilities, or aging, with individual/small group conferences to integrate findings with related course content. Students complete an issues paper that synthesizes research literature and any other structured learning activities, and draws implications for Therapeutic Recreation practice. Findings are also presented to undergraduates as part of a concurrent undergraduate course.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5271. Therapeutic Recreation and Disabilities Seminar II. 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar combines literature research on issues associated with physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, or long-term care, with individual/small group conferences to integrate findings with related course content. Students complete an issues paper that synthesizes research literature and any other structured learning activities, and draws implications for Therapeutic Recreation practice. Findings are also presented to undergraduates as part of a concurrent undergraduate course.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5301. Evidence Based Practice in Recreation Therapy I. 1 Credit Hour.

This course will introduce students to evidence based practice in recreation therapy. Students will develop a critical understanding of how evidence is generated, retrieved, and appraised. They will become knowledgeable about the relevance of research findings for clinical decision-making in recreation therapy (RT) practice. Students will develop skills at synthesizing and presenting evidence to support or challenge current RT issues/practices for particular diagnostic groups or interventions.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5302. Evidence Based Practice in Recreation Therapy II. 2 to 3 Credit Hours.

This course will introduce students to the practitioner-researcher role by building upon prior knowledge attained in THRC 5301 Evidence Based Practice in Recreation Therapy I. This course supports the use of research knowledge in making practice decisions that improve the delivery of recreational therapy interventions. It serves as a springboard for the student's Master's project.

Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Recreation Therapy.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5311. Conceptual and Contemporary Issues in Therapeutic Recreation. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines conceptual, theoretical, and practical issues associated with the organization and delivery of TR services. It uses a combination of lectures, readings, and oral and written exercises through which students reflect on and develop informed positions on core values and beliefs that support the profession. Students develop a plan of action for ongoing professional development during the academic program and beyond.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5312. Leisure, Health, and Life Quality. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to explore the dominant concepts and theories related to recreation and leisure behaviors and experiences, and their linkages to health, wellness, and life quality. Current research describing the interrelationships between leisure and health/life quality are examined, including the topics of disability and diversity issues such as culture, gender, race/ethnicity, class, age/lifespan, and sexual orientation. The interlinking triads among theory/conceptualizations, research, and practice are emphasized.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5382. Independent Study. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

This supervised project is structured between the student and a faculty mentor. Projects may include developing a research proposal, conducting a field-based investigation, or developing and evaluating a program. Registering for this course requires prior permission from a faculty mentor. A mutually agreeable study contract must be secured before the end of the second week of the semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

THRC 5402. Recreation Therapy Administration and Management. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines program, personnel, fiscal, and facilities management, including professional standards of practice and accreditation standards that guide and regulate organization and delivery of Therapeutic Recreation services in health care and human services settings. The course may involve applied learning experiences in area agencies.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5442. Clinical Programming and Practice in Therapeutic Recreation. 3 Credit Hours.

The course examines the dynamics of recreational and other activity-based interventions used for health promotion and psychosocial adaptation. It focuses on group program design and implementation, client motivation, and leadership skills. The course includes field-based application.

Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Recreation Therapy.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 5787. Therapeutic Recreation Practicum. 3 to 9 Credit Hours.

Field placement is made with emphasis on acquisition and application of practical skills. For non-certified students, this 4 to 6 credit practicum is designed to meet eligibility requirements for the NCTRC credentialing examination. For currently certified students, the 3-credit practicum is designed as an advanced clinical or administrative placement.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Master of Science.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: College of Public Health.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

THRC 8133. Family Centered Care. 3 Credit Hours.

Recent legislative, professional, demographic, and social changes have expanded traditional approaches of delivery of health services to incorporate the family in treatment and/or follow up. Students have an opportunity in this course to examine family systems theories and family-centered services for individuals with disabilities across the life cycle. They will also explore models of family-centered teams, the issues of client/family empowerment, and the accessing of services, as well as learning how to incorporate this information into the development of a family service plan. Many sessions will have an experiential component to increase awareness of family issues effecting treatment and/or practical application of technique.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 8161. Methods in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) for Health. 3 Credit Hours.

This course aims to critically examine how researchers, practitioners, and community partners can work together to establish and consolidate equitable, transdisciplinary, and sustainable partnerships by using a CBPR approach to improve the health and life quality of community populations in general and to eliminate health disparities in particular. What distinguishes CBPR from other approaches to research is the active engagement and integration of all investigators and partners into the research process through such principles as mutual respect and teamwork (rather than a top-down/university-down approach); co-learning and mutual capacity building; and power-sharing and co-ownership of research. This course provides an overview of conceptual, methodological, and practical approaches to CBPR by focusing on cross-disciplinary health issues such as holistic health, culture and health, health disparities, mixed methods in health research, evidence-based and people-centered community healthcare, and inclusive health policy.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

THRC 8280. Behavioral Change Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides structure through which students design and implement a theory-based individual or group behavior change program through local agencies. Drawing from evidence-based "best practices" and national mandates to improve the health and wellness of individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities, programs are designed to promote health and reduce secondary conditions. Seminar meetings are also used to provide peer supervision and feedback.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

THRC 9282. Readings and Conference for Therapeutic Recreation. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

In-depth investigation of current literature related to a specialized area of research or practice is undertaken. Examples include health promotion programs to prevent secondary health problems, dementia care, programming for at-risk youth, and ethics. The course may also be used as preparation for THRC 8141 or background preparation for the comprehensive examination.

Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Therapeutic Recreation.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

THRC 9995. Master's Project in Therapeutic Recreation. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

Enrollment in this course is limited to those completing the master's degree requirements through a field-based programming project under the supervision of a faculty member. Projects include but are not limited to designing, implementing, or evaluating therapeutic recreation programs; designing projects related to systems change; or engaging in constituent awareness and education.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Pre-requisites:
THRC 8102|Minimum Grade of B|May not be taken concurrently.