Overview

The Therapeutic Recreation programme at Grand Valley State University provides students with the essential skills to use experiential activities as clinical interventions. This academic curriculum is designed to enhance the functional capacities and overall well-being of individuals living with various disabilities.

Students engage in a rigorous course of study that balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. The curriculum focuses on developing critical clinical reasoning skills, such as task analysis, behavioural judgement, and the formulation of effective intervention concepts for diverse populations.

The degree structure typically involves two years of foundational prerequisite study followed by two years of professional, full-time coursework.

Why Therapeutic Recreation at Grand Valley State University?

This programme is distinguished by its national recognition and its alignment with the standards set by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. It offers a welcoming environment where service learning is deeply integrated into the daily educational experience.

The university provides students with access to a vast global networking system through dedicated faculty members. Furthermore, the curriculum is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, ensuring high educational standards and excellent employment prospects.

Graduates benefit from strong links to professional organisations at local and national levels. The small class sizes foster a supportive community, allowing students to develop the specialised expertise required to meet consumer health needs in a culturally diverse and dynamic world.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22770 per year
National fee: USD 22770 per year
Local fee: USD 16122 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a blend of general education and professional health sciences. Modules may include:

Therapeutic Recreation
Interdisciplinary Health
Clinical Reasoning
Problem Solving
Analysing Behaviours
Intervention Design
Experiential Activities

Careers with Therapeutic Recreation

Graduates are prepared for diverse employment opportunities within the healthcare and leisure sectors. They often find roles as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists working in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and community health organisations.

The programme equips students to work with individuals across the lifespan, focusing on those with chronic illnesses or physical and developmental disabilities. Alumni are active in professional bodies, often securing positions that involve clinical reasoning and health status management.

Programme Structure

Courses Included:

Foundations of Recreation and Leisure
Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation
Leisure Education
Diagnostic Groups in Therapeutic Recreation
Fieldwork in Therapeutic Recreation
Issues in Recreation and Leisure (Capstone)
Administration of Therapeutic Recreation
Assessment and Evaluation in Therapeutic Recreation
Internship in Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation for Physical Disability
Therapeutic Recreation for Mental Health
Medical Terminology
General Biology
Human Anatomy Kinesiology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-31 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Allendale, United States

Disciplines

Physiotherapy Health Sciences Tourism & Leisure View 1585 other Bachelors in Health Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

International Application
$30 Application Fee
Personal Statement
Transcripts
Test Scores
Verification of Financial Support

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22770 USD / year

≈ 22770 USD / year
Out-of-State

22770 USD / year

≈ 22770 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16122 USD / year

≈ 16122 USD / year

Living costs

Allendale

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Therapeutic Recreation.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Allendale

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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