Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at The University of Iowa

    Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at The University of Iowa

    Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at The University of Iowa

    The Therapeutic Recreation at The University of Iowa is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Iowa City , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on May 15, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation

    Therapeutic recreation is a health-oriented and client-centered field of human services. Therapeutic practice involves a continuum of services that use recreational activities to improve functional abilities; leisure education to help individuals acquire skills, knowledge, and attitudes that facilitate an independent lifestyle; and other programs to enhance health, growth, development, and independence through rewarding leisure activities. 

    Admission to the NCTRC Certification track is selective. Students can be admitted to the program after completing 24 s.h. at Iowa (or 12 s.h. for transfer students) with a University of Iowa GPA of at least 2.50 and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50.

    Disciplines

    College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at The University of Iowa

    Entry Requirements

    Name of final diploma/certificate:
    Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate)

    Minimum average overall grade requirement on core academic subjects such as mathematics, science, language, and social science courses (grade is comparable to U.S. grade of a B or 3.0 GPA):
    70/100%

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation

    Careers and Outcomes

    Iowa graduates have a 95 percent job/grad school placement rate within six months of graduation. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.

    Recreational therapists work in clinical and community-based settings with a wide variety of populations. They work with persons with mental illness, spinal cord and brain injuries, substance abuse, or developmental disabilities, or with at-risk youth and frail older adults. 

    Clinical settings tend to focus on psychiatric or physical rehabilitation where the therapist works with a team of allied health professionals or in long-term care, where therapists provide services to enhance residents' quality of life. 

    Community-based therapeutic recreation is the fastest-growing and most varied area of practice. Therapists may be affiliated with community recreation departments, school systems, community mental health agencies, or semi-independent living situations. The goals in such settings are enhancing quality of life, health promotion, and integration and inclusion of persons with disabilities in regular recreation programs. 

    Therapeutic recreation is a popular major for students pursuing careers or graduate degrees in other human service fields such as occupational therapy, child life, and social work. 

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at The University of Iowa

    Application Fee 80

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at The University of Iowa

    1. Submit your application.

      You can apply through the University of Iowa application or the Common Application (fall session only). We make admission decisions on a rolling basis beginning October 1 (International Application deadlines vary depending on your area of study).

    2. Pay the application fee.

      The $80 application fee is non-refundable. No application fee waivers are available unless you will be graduating from a high school inside the U.S.

    3. Upload your academic records.

      Within your Admissions Profile in MyUI, upload copies of all required official transcripts from every secondary school (high school), college, university, technical/vocational institute, or professional institution you have attended.

      Examine the Country Specific Admissions Requirement List to learn more about the required credentials and minimum academic standards needed for Admissions. Iowa offers college credit for a variety of exams.

    4. Meet our English Proficiency Requirement.

      See details of our English Proficiency Requirements. If applicable, have the testing agency send us your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.

    5. Have your ACT or SAT scores sent by the testing agency.

      Our institution code is 1356 for the ACT; 6681 for the SAT.

      ACT or SAT is required if:​
      • You plan to use ACT/SAT to meet the English Proficiency Requirement
      • You plan to apply for scholarships (some awards require an ACT or SAT score)
         
    Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at The University of Iowa
    The University of Iowa
    The University of Iowa
    United States of America

    United States of America, Iowa City

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