BROOKLYN
245 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205
Main: 718.940.5300
Admissions: 718.940.5800
Fax: 718.940.5680
LONG ISLAND
155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue, NY 11772
Main: 631.687.5100
Admissions: 631.687.4500
Fax: 631.687.4539
Brooklyn Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies
Join one of the fastest growing fields in the nation, at one of only two colleges in the tri-state area to offer this degree.
Teach others to nurture their physical, cognitive and emotional health — while having a little fun — with an St. Joseph's University recreation and leisure studies degree.
Our expertly designed programming shows our students how to improve upon leisure-related behaviors and incorporate recreational activities that promote a high quality of life for individuals and communities. As a student in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, you will be prepared to enter a growing field — the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the number of jobs for recreational therapists will grow by at least 8 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Learn about wellness. Plan engaging activities and events to motivate others. Make a difference in your community with a degree in recreation and leisure studies.
Reem Shaban ’22
Therapeutic recreation major, psychology minor
"Pursuing a therapeutic recreation degree at St. Joseph's University allowed me to learn the fundamentals of recreation, including how to utilize and implement recreation and the many ways activity-geared interventions address the needs of individuals with disabling conditions and illnesses. Therapeutic recreation is a beautiful career to pursue, focused on helping others gain back control on their lives and improving their quality of life. The recreation and leisure staff are phenomenal and guided me every step of the way. They supplied me with everything I need to succeed — and so much more!"
The Brooklyn Recreation and Leisure Studies Experience
Career Opportunities: Graduates are prepared to work as recreational therapists in clinical settings, in resort tourism, sports centers and more.
Minors that Matter: Consider taking on a minor in therapeutic recreation. The minor complements many of our majors, including psychology, speech therapy, biology and criminal justice.
Internship Experience: Recreation and leisure studies students are required to complete a rigorous internship, which enables them to apply knowledge gained in class to real-world experiences.
Recreation and Leisure Studies Programs
Recreation, Sports and Park Administration Major
Start your journey to a fulfilling career path.
Our recreation, sports and park administration program prepares students to confidently organize and implement a variety of programs and services in community-based settings. Graduates take the skills gained in their classes and apply them directly to the field.
Therapeutic Recreation Major
Learn to make a positive mark on the world.
Therapeutic recreation offers a profound understanding of the ways activities can improve someone’s physical, mental, and emotional health and overall wellbeing.
Sports Management Minor
Prepare for a career in sports.
Acquire an in-depth understanding of administrative principles specific to the sports management industry and set yourself up for success. With specializations in sports management and athletic coaching, sports management business administration and sports management marketing, our students learn to assess, plan, implement and evaluate programs and events.
Therapeutic Recreation Minor
Enhance your education.
A minor in therapeutic recreation leaves students with advanced knowledge of tips and tricks to improve someone’s overall wellbeing, using recreational activities. Take advantage of our diverse list of electives and select courses that complement the major of your choice.
A Growing Opportunity
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of recreational therapists to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028 — faster than average — while recreation, sports and park administration positions are expected to grow by 8%.
Professionals with a degree in recreation and leisure studies work in a variety of settings, such as community agencies; federal, state and local government agencies; private commercial enterprises; sports and youth development organizations; not-for-profit organizations; hospitals and rehabilitation settings, as well as travel, hospitality and entertainment venues.
Professionals work with children, adults, families and communities to ensure that the lives of people are enhanced and that the benefits of recreation are realized and available to persons with and without disabilities.
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