Academic college: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, School of Community Resources and Development. This Bachelor of Science (BS) in Recreation Therapy prepares students to become competent, entry-level recreational therapists. The program focuses on using recreational activities as therapeutic interventions to improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals with various disabilities or health conditions. The curriculum emphasizes a multi-disciplinary systems approach to the study of community, integrating foundational knowledge in health sciences, psychology, and leisure studies with practical experience in designing and implementing therapeutic recreation programs. Students learn to conduct assessments, develop service plans, implement therapeutic interventions, and measure and document outcomes of care. The degree is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Programs (COAPRT) and the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). This program has a heavier emphasis on health care settings such as hospitals and human service agencies, while a related concentration (Parks and Recreation Management with Therapeutic Recreation) prepares students for community settings.

Recreational therapy is a rapidly growing field. Graduates are prepared for work in a wide variety of clinical and community settings. They are eligible to pursue certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Career options include: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Recreation Therapist, Activities Coordinator/Director, Rehabilitation Therapist, Adaptive Specialist, Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator, Health and Wellness Coordinator, Community Health Worker. Employment settings include: Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centers, Mental Health Facilities, Extended Care Facilities, Long-term Care Facilities, Community Agencies, Public Schools, Youth Programs, Adaptive Sports Organizations, Parks and Recreation Departments, Day Programs, Assisted Living Centers, Retirement Homes. This program is also a good foundation for graduate studies in related health fields.

Arizona State University is a highly ranked public university with a world-leading drive for innovation (#1 in the U.S. for innovation). It is consistently the #1 US public university chosen by international students, demonstrating its global appeal and supportive environment. The Downtown Phoenix campus is located in the heart of Arizona's capital, offering a professional, fast-paced environment with a big-city feel and proximity to numerous healthcare and community organizations for internships and clinical experiences. The degree is accredited by COAPRT and NACC, ensuring quality and professional recognition. Teaching takes a multi-disciplinary systems approach to the study of community. Students gain significant hands-on experience through practicum and internship requirements, directly applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Students secure a minimum of 100 career field exploration hours as part of the curriculum. The program offers opportunities for an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree in related fields for qualified students (e.g., Community Resources and Development).