The undergraduate program in Leisure Studies confers a degree with emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation or Child Life. The graduate program in Leisure Studies confers a MA with emphasis in either Therapeutic Recreation or Recreational Sport Management.

Therapeutic Recreation service is a health-oriented field. It involves the provision of recreation programs designed to improve or maintain the physical, emotional, mental, and social functioning of persons with disabilities. It uses treatment, leisure education and recreational services to promote a satisfying leisure lifestyle among persons with acute and chronic impairments.

Child Life Specialists are professionals with expertise in child development who advance effective coping through recreation, pre-operative or pre-procedural preparation, patient and family education, and self-expression activities (definition, Child Life Council). They provide a variety of services designed to support families and to promote mastery of different experiences by children, particularly when the child is experiencing healthcare events. Because families are often a primary source of support for a sick child, Child Life Specialists may also provide care to the family by assisting in accurate information processing and supporting the family members and other caregivers. Child Life Specialists also perform an important role as educators for other medical staff and the general community regarding the specific issues and needs of children experiencing healthcare or other stressful life events.

Please click here, If you are interested in learning more about what you can do with an undergraduate degree in Leisure Studies.

Graduate Program: The Recreational Sport Management emphasis prepares graduates to assume leadership positions in public, private, and commercial recreation and sport settings. Emphasis is focused on preparing students to manage recreational sport programs on university campuses. Excellent practical learning opportunities are available through the Division of Recreational Services and athletic programs on The University of Iowa campus.

Photo Above: The Old Capitol located on the University of Iowa's Pentacrest (D.L. Rotella).