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Transfer Planning for Therapeutic Recreation

Transfer Planning for Therapeutic Recreation, B.S.

SUNY Cortland recommends that students complete the following courses prior to transfer.  The transfer credit limit from a 2-year college is 64 credits.  Of those, 34 major-required credits can be transferred.  Students who complete their General Education requirements prior to transfer will have their General Education requirements met at SUNY Cortland.

SUNY General Education

Cortland Degree Requirements

Complete at current college

Communication 1 (GEC1):  CPN 100 Writing Studies I

________ (GE required)

Communication 2 (GEC2):  CPN 101 Writing Studies II

________ (GE required)

Communication – Presentation (GECP):
COM 210 Fundamentals of Public Speaking

________ (GE & major required)

Diversity:  Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (GEDI): 
REC 293 Diversity and Inclusive Recreation Services

________ (GE & major required)

Mathematics (GEMA):

_______________________

Natural Sciences (GENS): GLY 261 Physical Geology (4 cr.)

________ (GE required, recommended)

Humanities (GEHU):

_______________________

Social Sciences (GESS): PSY 101 Introductory Psychology

________ (major required)

The Arts (GEAR):

_______________________

US History & Civic Engagement (GEUS):

_______________________

World History & Global Awareness (GEWH):  REC 150 Play Across Cultures

 __________ (major recommended)

World Languages (GEWL):  (Sign Language is acceptable):

______ Level I (required for B.S.)

Additional Major Requirements

Cortland Major Requirements

Complete at current college

REC 330 Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation

________________________

REC 380 Leadership in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services

________________________

BIO 301 or 302 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or II (4 cr.)

________________________

PSY 333 Developmental Psychology

________________________

PSY 421 Abnormal Psychology

________________________

CAP 100 Introduction to Computer Applications

________________________

Complete 2-6 credits (each course is 1 credit):  REC 101 Recreation Activities, OR REC 102 Backpacking, OR REC 103 Canoeing, OR REC 104 Kayaking, OR REC 105 Windsurfing, OR REC 106 Rock Climbing, OR REC 107 Snowshoeing, OR REC 108 Cross-country Skiing, OR REC 109 Winter Camping, OR REC 110 Bike Touring, OR REC 111 Snowboarding, OR REC 112 Downhill Skiing, OR REC 211 Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding

_________________________

*For more information about transfer equivalencies, please visit SUNY Transfer Path.

Therapeutic Recreation

School of Professional Studies

The program requirements pertain to the Undergraduate Catalog and are intended as a guide for academic planning.  Students currently on SUNY campuses should consult their academic advisor for additional choices in general education categories when any course is recommended. 

  • To view all required courses for the program and Cortland’s General Education courses, see the most current undergraduate Catalog.
  • Use the transfer equivalency tables to choose equivalents at your transfer college.
  • If you plan to transfer before you complete your associate’s degree, you can still earn your degree via Reverse Transfer.

About Therapeutic Recreation

Recreation Therapy is a systemic process that uses recreation and activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and disabling conditions.  This approach promotes psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being while facilitating full participation in life.  Recreational therapists work across diverse settings and can specialize in various areas of practice.  As of May 2024, the median annual wage for recreational therapists was $60,280, though salaries typically vary based on location, experience, and work setting.  This program prepares students for national certification as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and includes a comprehensive 560-hour, 14-week clinical internship.  

Career Potential

  • Healthcare Facilities:  Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, psychiatric and substance abuse treatment facilities.
  • Community Programs:  Parks and recreation departments, community health centers, adult day care programs.
  • Educational Settings:  School districts serving students with disabilities.

What Will I Learn?

  • Learn how to apply the therapeutic recreation process in a variety of settings to help people with disabilities and other differences achieve well-being
  • Engage in an internship
  • Learn how to assess the needs of clients and deliver customized programming in both clinical and community settings 

Applying to Cortland

  • SUNY Cortland accepts the Common Application and the SUNY Online application. Choose just one way to apply; both require a $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • If you apply to Cortland using the SUNY application, SUNY will waive the $50 application fee for transfer students graduating with an associate degree from a SUNY or CUNY college, who apply directly to Cortland for baccalaureate programs.
  • Fall applicants should apply by June 1. Spring applicants should apply by November 1.
  • After applying, students must send transcripts from all colleges attended and a high school transcript.