Recreational Therapy, Certificate
Want to help people live healthier, more active lives? Learn to design and lead recreation programs that promote inclusion and bring people together. You'll build practical skills to build and support healthy communities.
Quick facts
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
In the recreational therapy certificate program, you learn to design and lead recreation activities that improve health, well-being and quality of life. Coursework introduces assessment, program planning and evaluation, and you explore creative and active forms of therapy, such as adapted exercise, aquatic therapy and community recreation.
The certificate complements degrees in health, education and community service fields and can also serve as a step toward becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. https://nctrc.org/ctrs-the-qualified-provider/
Why earn a recreational therapy undergraduate certificate at ASU?
At ASU, you have the flexibility to tailor your electives toward national certification requirements or general community development, depending on your career goals. This customizable approach enables you to build the specific expertise you need. Learn to design and lead activities that improve health, well-being and quality of life for diverse populations. This certificate introduces you to assessment, program planning and evaluation while building versatile skills that complement degrees in health, education and community service.
As part of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, you join a network focused on public impact and community health. You connect with faculty and peers who share your commitment to service and gain access to resources that support your professional development.
You can complete this recreational therapy certificate 100% online or attend in person at the Downtown Phoenix campus. This flexibility enables you to choose the format that fits your schedule and learning preferences.
Additional details
Coursework explores creative and active forms of therapy, including adapted exercise, aquatic therapy and community recreation. You develop hands-on skills that prepare you to work with diverse populations across a variety of settings.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The recreational therapy certificate requires completion of 18 credit hours: six credit hours of required courses, 12 credit hours of electives and a minimum of 12 hours upper division. Students seeking the national credential in therapeutic recreation should select electives from that list. A grade of "C" or better is required in all courses for the certificate. |
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| Required Courses | ||
|
RTH 364 Foundations in Recreational Therapy
(SOBE)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
RTH 413 Leadership and Professional Development in Recreational Therapy
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
|
Choose four courses from Blocks A and B if interested in the ASU certificate, but not seeking the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC) credential. Choose four courses from only Block B if interested in taking support courses for NCTRC credential. At least six hours must be upper division. Minimum
grade:
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Upper Division
Certificate Electives
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
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Choose four courses from Block A and B if interested in only the ASU certificate. Please note that Block A courses do not meet NCTRC credential requirements. Minimum
grade:
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Students seeking the national credentialing through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC) should select four courses from this list.
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Certificate Electives
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Choose four courses from Block A and B if interested in only the ASU certificate. Please note that Block A courses do not meet NCTRC credential requirements. |
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Students seeking the national credentialing through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC) should select four courses from this list.
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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Enrollment requirements
The recreational therapy certificate requires completion of 18 credit hours: six credit hours of required courses and 12 credit hours of electives. Students seeking the national credential in therapeutic recreation should select electives from Block B.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Recreational therapists practice in settings such as inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient mental health, and skilled nursing facilities. Assisted living and adult day programs, parks and recreation and adapted sports programs, acute care hospitals, pediatric hospitals and programs, and school systems also employ these professionals.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Community Resources and Development
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UCENT 164
scrdadvising@asu.edu
602-496-1658
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
