Why study Recreation (Therapeutic) at Dal?
A one-of-a-kind opportunity to improve quality of life
Learn how recreation and leisure experiences can be used to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, illnesses and other limitations. One of a few four-year degrees of its kind, Dalhousie's Recreation program was the first to be accredited in Canada by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE). You'll be prepared to write the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Degree overview
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science Recreation, BScR-TRFaculty: Faculty of Health
Department: School of Health and Human Performance
Campus: Studley Campus, Halifax
Program Length: 4 years
Program Start: September
What will I learn?
The goal of the program is to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills to work in a variety of settings as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Since we only accept approximately 25 students each year, class sizes are very small and you have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and fellow students.
In first year, along with the introductory leisure studies course, you’ll take a range of introductory courses in other departments, such as physiology, sociology, psychology and anatomy. In years two to four, your courses will reflect your individual interests in the program—anything from leadership and dynamics to community development.
In the final year of the program a 16-week internship, under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, takes you out of the classroom and provides you with hands-on work experience that enhances your studies. 100% of our students achieves expectations on their final internship performance appraisals, and had 98.5% first-time exam pass rate in the past 3 years (National average is 86.3%).
Sample courses:
- Foundations of Recreation
- Leisure and Individuals with Disabilities
- Therapeutic Recreation Service Delivery
Visit the Academic Calendar to view degree options and course details.
Careers and future study
Dalhousie students have higher than the national average of pass rates for the NCTRC exam. Our students had 98.5% first-time exam pass rate in the past 3 years (National average is 86.3%). Graduates from Dalhousie's Recreation program are in demand now, as public and private organizations plan for an aging and increasingly diverse population. Therapeutic recreation is a rapidly growing field, and new career opportunities are constantly being created. You'll be well prepared to start a rewarding career as a member of an interdisciplinary team within the healthcare and recreation sectors. You might consider careers in the following areas:
- rehabilitation
- pediatrics
- palliative care
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in science, health, or business administration.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate admission requirements vary based on your previous education and your intended program of study at Dalhousie. Learn about our admissions requirements, book a campus tour, or connect with an advisor if you have questions about your eligibility for admission.