In this four-year degree program, you will learn to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation interventions to work with future clients in a strength-based approach. The purpose of therapeutic recreation is to help clients achieve their highest quality of life and to live life as fully and independently as possible. Therapeutic recreation interventions are leisure activities that have been designed to achieve goals and outcomes within the physical, psychological, social, cognitive, spiritual and/or environmental domains. As a student of this program, you will gain essential knowledge and expertise in the core foundational theories and concepts within therapeutic recreation, as well as various related areas such as health sciences, recreation and leisure, psychology and research methods. Within the final years of the program, you will explore application-based learning to increase your understanding in program delivery and adaptations, which will be an added advantage in working with diverse populations and settings.
In Canada, the health care system has moved towards an interdisciplinary team approach. As a graduate of this program, you will be working collaboratively with other health care professionals in the workforce.
This program is the only GTA-located Therapeutic Recreation degree available in Ontario. It is both an academic and professional degree. An academic or research degree focuses on a specific field of study and is often more research-oriented. Courses build on the technical knowledge that is learned throughout the program. A professional degree helps students prepare for careers in specific fields, such as therapeutic recreation. Professional degrees focus on real-world applications.
Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in four placements and one full work term throughout the degree program. This provides students with hands-on experience and network connections to leverage upon graduation.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
You will complete at least one term in a formal work environment. It takes place in the fall semester of the final year and it may be a paid or unpaid position that requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all requirements prior to participating in the work term. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position. Please be aware that students in the program will take Semester 7 classes over summer in order to complete a fall work term and Semester 8 in the winter.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | King | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
Upon completing your degree and required Professional Contribution Credits (PCCs), you may qualify to apply for the R/TRO professional accreditation offered by Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO). Students can also apply to the International TR credential CTRS offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation certification (NCTRC).
This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.
Graduates of a diploma program may be eligible to complete this degree faster through one of our pathway options.
You may qualify for a renewable scholarship and receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.
As a student in this program, you have the chance to explore global learning opportunities through Global Learning and Engagement.
Graduate career ready and world ready. This program has a mandatory work term to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
"I chose to study at Seneca because they have a very well-developed Therapeutic Recreation degree program. I liked that I would be able to commute to the campus, and after meeting some of the professors for the Therapeutic Recreation degree program at the Seneca Open House, I knew that was where I wanted to go."
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
“I credit the learning environment and smaller classes at Seneca for helping me build long-lasting and supportive relationships with classmates and professors. My favourite part of the program was the practical component of the degree, which helped me gain a taste of the therapeutic recreation world before launching into it head-first.”
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
"Upon completing my degree, one of my last classes helped me refine my research skills, and I discovered my true passion for recreation therapy. This helped me to address the needs of marginalized populations by focusing on physical and psychological health, well-being and recovery."
Seneca DTR students partnered with Community and Family Coordinators (CFCs), the Township of King, and ParaSport Ontario to run an inclusive and adapted ice hockey event at the Nobleton Arena.
