A BS Recreation Management with a concentration in therapeutic recreation prepares students in the use of activities as therapeutic tools to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.
This career-ready concentration follows American Therapeutic Recreation Association guidelines of foundations, client assessment, treatment programs, implementation and modifications, and evaluation of treatments. Seniors intern under the supervision of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist in preparation to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification exam. Graduates pursue careers in settings such as local, state, and federal recreation agencies; adult and senior healthcare facilities; non-profit organizations; and educational and clinical institutions.
Yes, this concentration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). COAPRT accreditation is a status granted to academic programs in colleges and universities that meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality.
In addition to our accreditation status and innovative faculty, Mason’s geographic location in the Northern Virginia metropolitan area provides for a wealth of fieldwork, internship, and employment opportunities. We also offer the EDGE, our center for outdoor experiential learning located on our Science and Technology Campus, which students utilize in course work, practicums, and internships.
- therapeutic recreation specialist
- senior center activities director
- community therapeutic recreation coordinator
- school inclusion coordinator
- corrections recreation director
- Special Olympics administrator
- residential recreation counselor
- therapeutic horseback riding specialist
- community inclusion officer
- aquatics instructor for individuals with disabilities
- at-risk youth counselor
- research and grants specialist
- community services director
- adaptive swim specialist
- adaptive recreation director
*Therapeutic Recreation Concentration students must take PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits).
**Therapeutic Recreation Concentration students must take BIOL 124: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits).
***Met by RMGT 490: Recreation Management Internship (12 credits), a program requirement.
This concentration within the Recreation Management program teaches a holistic approach to the treatment for people with disabilities across the lifespan. Completion of the therapeutic recreation (TR) foundation, issues, processes, programming and assessment courses to name a few, as well as an internship supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), prepares graduating seniors to sit for the national exam sponsored by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification to become a CTRS. Graduates find employment in clinical and community settings, senior and adult health care, non-profit organizations, and schools.
Freshman
- Non-Binding Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 15
Transfer
- Fall Priority Deadline: March 1
- Spring Priority Deadline: October 1
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
Prospective George Mason students can visit the How to Apply page for more information about submitting an application.
Learn about submission deadlines and admissions requirements using the links below:
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$592.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$1,612.00
(includes MSF*) |
CEHD Course Fee
($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses) |
$25 - $257 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$617.50 - $849.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$1,637.00 - $1,869.00 |
Undergraduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$350 | $275 for transfer students |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Academic Advisor
Melissa Busillo
Email: mbusillo@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-5261
Fairfax Campus: Krug Hall, Suite 213
To schedule an appointment: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/oOhyMST5VC
2024-25 Recreation Management: Therapeutic Recreation Concentration Advising Sheet
New Advising Platform: Patriot Connect
As of May 22, Navigate Mason will be de-activated and advisors will begin using Patriot Connect for appointment scheduling. Any appointments after May 22 will need to be scheduled in Patriot Connect. Instructions on how to access and utilize this new system will be added here in the near future.
Patriot Connect is George Mason’s new platform designed to enhance your student journey. It will be your go-to for student success scheduling – such as academic advising, student success coaching, learning services, and more – ensuring you have the support you need to reach your goals at George Mason. Students will be able to login to Patriot Connect starting May 1.
Laurence Chalip
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Brenda Wiggins
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Hung-Ling Liu
Sammie Powers
Ellen Rodgers