School of Arts and Sciences | Academic Programs
Recreation

St. Joseph’s is the only college in the area to offer a four–year degree in recreation — one of the fastest growing fields in the country. The Community Recreation track leads to positions with YMCAs, youth agencies, community or state recreation programs. The Therapeutic Recreation track allows graduates to pursue careers as recreation therapists in health care and other social service agencies.

A minimum of 12 weeks of field work is required (with more than 30 sites available), with many internship positions leading to full–time jobs. Faculty members are experienced practioners, directors and consultants representing every aspect of the field. It is no surprise that fully 98 percent of majors are working in the field within six months of graduation.

Courses to consider include Community Recreation; Gerontology; Leisure Counseling; Music Therapy; and Therapeutic Recreation for Special Populations.

Careers to consider include acute care hospitals; adult day care centers; centers for independent living; colleges and universities; community mental health centers; community recreation departments; correctional facilities; group homes; nursing homes; pediatric hospitals; psychiatric facilities; public and private schools; rehabilitation centers; senior centers; and substance abuse facilities.