Skip to main content

What You Learn

In New Jersey's only Recreational Therapy degree program, you will gain practical skills that will prepare you to work in a variety of settings. Recreational therapy students will participate in hands on experiences through labs and multiple fieldwork experiences to enhance their skills leading to employment as a recreational therapist.

Recreational Therapy students will learn how to:

  • Conduct leisure and functional assessments to determine their clients strengths and areas in need of improvement
  • Plan, manage and administer recreation-based treatment interventions and programs for people with disabilities, injuries, illnesses or limitations
  • Assist clients in developing the ability to adapt to their disability supporting inclusion, independence and maximum engagement in leisure and community activities for overall health and wellness
  • Collaborate with other health professionals including occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, behavioral health counselors, psychologists, social workers, teachers, physicians and others

Kean University’s Recreational Therapy program prepares you to sit for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist exam administered by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification; a requirement for being licensed as a Recreational Therapist in the State of New Jersey.

The Recreational Therapy program is offered at both the Kean Union and Kean Ocean campuses.

Faculty

Frances Stavola-Daly, Ed.D., Professor
Pamela Griffin, Lecturer

B.A. in Recreational Therapy

Study therapeutic and recreational theory and practice to enable individuals to improve function and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Recreational Therapy Curriculum

Minor in Recreational Therapy

Kean Ocean

Recreational Therapy Pre-Professional Program

Outside of Residence Hall Building

My field experience allowed me to apply the knowledge I learned in the classroom to the workplace, which gave me an advantage when applying for jobs. I'm currently working at the same place where I completed my senior internship."

Veronica Spinden '18
Allied Clinical Therapist
Recreation Administration - Therapeutic Recreation - Veronica Spinden '18 - Allied Clinical Therapist

After Kean

Recreation therapists have meaningful careers in a variety of settings, helping people maximize independence and engagement in life and leisure as:

  • Recreation or activity therapists
  • Therapeutic recreation directors
  • Mental health specialists
  • Youth development counselors
  • Inclusion specialists
  • Life enrichment coordinators

14

NCAA Division III Varsity Sports

20

Average class size at Kean

caep logo2 for accreditation

Accreditation

Since 1955, Kean’s College of Education has earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Notably, only one-third of the schools that produce teachers in the United States and New Jersey earn this accreditation.

CAEP advances equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

Kean University Academics

Want to Know More?

Visit Us

The best way to see all that Kean University has to offer is to visit our vibrant urban campus.

Request Info

Our admissions counselors are here to help you navigate the college application process. Learn more.

Apply Now

So much awaits you at Kean University. Your Kean journey begins now. Apply today.