Program Detail





Therapeutic Recreation. In the Therapeutic Recreation concentration, students acquire the skills necessary to help improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, illnesses or other limitations by using recreation and leisure experiences. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam to become certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS). For more information regarding certification requirements, please see the NCTRC website. In addition, students in this program will meet the requirements of the State of Connecticut Public Health Code as a Therapeutic Recreation Director.

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Demonstrate an understanding of basic medical, psychiatric and pharmacological terminology.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Students complete five medical terminology and abbreviation modules throughout REC 231.
  • Result:
    100% of students who completed the five modules scored a 7.5 or above.
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    Demonstrate the ability to design individualized treatment programs and/or plans that include client specific goals and objectives.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Students in REC 331, completed five case studies. The five case studies are averaged together.
  • Result:
    92% of students achieved a combined score of 80 or better for the five case studies.
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    Demonstrate knowledge of varying principles and practices that relate to programmatic, administrative, financial and human resource management of therapeutic recreation services.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Students complete a program development project in REC 441
  • Result:
    83% of students scored a 75% or above on the program development project

The tourism, hospitality, and event management program (T.H.E.M.) at SCSU offers a BS degree with the opportunity to choose a concentration in one of the three areas of study. The program requires a total of 120 credits with 51 credits in the major curriculum including two internship experiences for nine credits. A T.H.E.M. management certificate program is being offered to employees in hospitality industries in the state in addition to the undergraduate degree program.

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate: A. the ability to explain the nature and scope of Tourism, Hospitality, & Event Management (T.H.E.M.) as it relates to the leisure service industry. B. competence in the techniques and processes used by professionals in these industries. C. knowledge of the foundations of the professions in history, science and philosophy.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    A. THE 260 Assignment #3 C. REC 363 Worksheet #1
  • Result:
    A. 38% (6/16) of students achieved 80% on Assignment #3 B. 80.9 % (17/21) of students achieved 80% on Worksheet #1
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate the ability to design, implement and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity through the planning and implementation of specific events both on and off campus.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    THE 365 Event Planning and Production provides the students with opportunities to assume the role of event planner to work with individuals and agencies in the delivery of hospitality and event services. Each student must develop and submit a personal service contract indicating their responsibilities regarding the events undertaken by the class and the grade that they will earn. Students are given a midterm and final review of the terms and conditions of their contracts to determine their rate of success. Success is measured by their ability to complete their tasks and achieve the desired grade by fulfilling all conditions in the contract.
  • Result:
    100% of the students successfully completed their contract terms and conditions.
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate entry level knowledge about the operations and strategic management in the T.H.E.M. industries through successful completion and presentation of their group event planning projects.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    The student groups presented their event to a panel of professionals who acted as a Shark Tank type of review panel. Students were required to present their event, justify the resources needed for the event, request financial support from the panel and complete a post-event evaluation of their experience.
  • Result:
    80% of the students achieved the 85% standard for the course project. 20% did not complete the post-event evaluation.

The B.S. in Recreation and Leisure Studies prepares students to take on key leadership roles in exciting and meaningful careers in therapeutic recreation, park and recreation management, youth development, outdoor recreation, while building valuable management and programming skills that can be applied to this unique field.

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Develop a written proposal, balanced-budget, and promotion campaign for a recreation program or special event
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    REC 320 - final program portfolio including program proposal, budget, and promotion materials.
  • Result:
    83% of students received an 80% or higher
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    Demonstrate an understanding of the role of community-based recreation and leisure programs for individuals with and without disabilities
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    REC 220 - Lab experience journals
  • Result:
    90% of students received an 80% or higher
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    Identify necessary elements and practices in Human, Fiscal, and Marketing Resource Management Demonstrate an understanding of the role of management in leisure service profession
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    REC 420 - Professional Portfolio that includes management philosophy, employee recruitment materials, budget, marketing campaign, and risk management plan.
  • Result:
    100% of students received an 80% or higher