Mar 28, 2024  
2007-2008 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2007-2008 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Therapeutic Recreation Services



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Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Therapeutic Recreation Serices.

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change

Springfield College has been preparing recreation and leisure professionals for almost fifty years, recognizing the contribution which recreation experiences make to the quality of life. Leadership, management, and program skills are the focus of the curriculum, which is accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association.

The therapeutic recreation services major is an accredited professional program which prepares students to be certified as therapeutic recreation specialists. Graduates plan, develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation services in clinical and non-clinical settings. The program explores the use of recreation services to improve or maintain physical, mental, emotional, and/or social functioning and to assist individuals to achieve and sustain self-reliant, high-quality leisure lifestyles. Employment opportunities within the therapeutic recreation profession include:

  • hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities
  • rehabilitation centers
  • mental health and substance abuse agencies
  • correctional facilities
  • senior citizen centers
  • camps and outdoor recreation settings
  • sheltered workshops and vocational training centers
  • schools

Therapeutic recreation services majors can complete the optional child life specialization (requires 11 additional credits).

If a student opts for an additional semester to satisfy the program’s internship requirement, additional tuition charges will apply.

For more information about the therapeutic recreation services major, contact Dr. Matthew J. Pantera, chairperson of the Sport Management and Recreation Department, at (413) 748-3693 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.


Download a Therapeutic Recreation Services Program Checksheet


II. Major Requirements


III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)


Optional Specialization: Child Life

Program and Advanced Standing Requirements


Therapeutic Recreation majors must qualify for advanced standing in order to register for the third and fourth year sequences of required courses (including Pre-Practicum and Internship).To qualify for advanced standing, the student must meet the following standards by the conclusion of his or her sophomore year.

  1. The student’s overall cumulative grade point index must meet or exceed a 2.50 GPA.
  2. Proper professional and responsible behavior is expected of each therapeutic recreation student. This includes behavior while a student (on- and off-campus) and as a member of the college community.

After achieving the minimum GPA, the student must maintain those standards through the remainder of the program. If the student fails to meet or maintain those standards, the faculty will review the student’s record and recommend departmental probation (with appropriate prescription to overcome the deficiency) or dismissal from the program.

Appeal Process
A student may appeal any action taken by the department regarding his or her probation or dismissal from the major. In order to appeal, the student must submit a letter to the department chairperson requesting a review of their status. This appeal must be submitted within two weeks of the student being notified of his or her probation or dismissal. The sport management and recreation chairperson will call a meeting of the appropriate faculty to which the student will be invited. The student will be notified within ten days of the meeting regarding the outcome of their appeal.

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