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TC3 Transfer Planning for Therapeutic Recreation

Tompkins Cortland Community College Transfer Planning for Therapeutic Recreation, (TR), 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 and 90 credits from a 2- and 4-year combined. 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 TC3
Communication 1 (GEC1): CPN 100 Writing Studies I ENGL 100 (GE required)
Communication 2 (GEC2): CPN 101 Writing Studies II ENGL 101 (GE required)
Communication – Presentation (GECP):

________ (GE required)
Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (GEDI):
REC 293 Diversity and Inclusive Recreation Services
________ No equivalent, consider taking at Cortland, unless earning associate degree (GE & major required)
Mathematics (GEMA): ________ (GE required)
Natural Sciences (GENS): 

________ (GE required)

Humanities (GEHU): _______________________
Social Sciences (GESS): PSY 101 Introductory Psychology PSYC 103 (major required)
The Arts (GEAR): _______________________
US History & Civic Engagement (GEUS): _______________________
World History & Global Awareness (GEWH): REC 150 Play Across Cultures RECR 150 (major recommended)
World Languages (GEWL): (Sign Language is acceptable): ______ 101 (required for B.S.)
Additional Major-Requirements
Cortland Major Requirements Complete at TC3
REC 330 Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation RECR 201 (Offered occasionally)
REC 380 Programming and Leadership RECR 280
BIO 301 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 cr.) BIOL 131 OR 201
PSY 333 Developmental Psychology PSYC 263
PSY 421 Abnormal Psychology PSYC 209
REC 101 Recreation Activities (electives: 2-6 credits):

RECR 276 AND (See Cortland Advisor for REC 101 equivalents)

______________________

Support Courses (6 credits)

(See Cortland Advisor)

______________________

*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

Recreational 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 daycare 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.