About

The Community and Therapeutic Recreation department and programs. We prepare students to enhance health and quality of life through recreation services. Students can choose concentrations in Recreational Therapy or Community Recreation and Event Planning, with opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and practicums. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT) and offers an Accelerated Master’s Degree program for qualified students.

Jobs in recreation are growing quickly, and professionals in this field have rewarding careers that make a positive impact on their communities.

Degrees Offered

Students gain experience through internships, practicums, and projects with local and national partners such as the City of Greensboro, Atrium Health, Disney, the National Park Service, and Boys & Girls Clubs. A bachelor’s degree from our accredited RT program enables students to become Licensed Recreational Therapists (LRT) and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS). Moreover, event planning students can work as meeting, wedding, or event planners, or even start their own businesses. Additionally, Community Recreation students can become recreation coordinators, athletic directors, youth development specialists, or campus recreation managers. Graduates can also become Certified Parks and Recreation Professionals (CPRP).

Degree NameDegree TypeClass Type
Community Recreation and Event PlanningB.S.In Person
Therapeutic RecreationB.S.In Person
Community Recreation ManagementM.S.In Person
Therapeutic RecreationM.S.In Person
Parks and Recreation ManagementAccelerated B.S. to M.S.In Person
Community RecreationUndergraduate Minor
Community and Therapeutic RecreationUndergraduate Minor
Event PlanningUndergraduate Minor
Recreational TherapyUndergraduate Minor
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Department highlights

  • CTR students gain hands-on experience through classroom learning and fieldwork, including over 600 hours of practicum and internship.
  • The program focuses on using recreation to improve growth, wellbeing, and quality of life for both students and the people they serve.
  • Faculty offer personal advising and career guidance from the start of the program.
  • The Accelerated Master’s Program is one of only two in North Carolina’s recreation programs.
  • Students can begin working as certified professionals (e.g., LRT, CTRS, CPRP) with just a bachelor’s degree.
  • Faculty also hold leadership roles, such as Executive Director of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association and Chair of the NC Board of Recreational Therapy.