Honours Bachelor Of Therapeutic Recreation (DTR) at Seneca Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

The Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program at Seneca is a comprehensive four-year degree designed to equip students with the skills necessary to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation interventions. This program emphasizes a strength-based approach to help clients achieve their highest quality of life and independence. Students will delve into various domains, including physical, psychological, social, cognitive, spiritual, and environmental aspects of therapeutic recreation. The curriculum integrates foundational theories and concepts from health sciences, recreation, psychology, and research methods, ensuring a well-rounded education. Additionally, students will engage in application-based learning, enhancing their understanding of program delivery and adaptations for diverse populations.

Program structure

The Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program is structured to provide a robust educational experience over a duration of 8 semesters (4 years). Key features of the program structure include:

Hybrid delivery format, combining online and in-person coursework.
Four placements and one mandatory work term to gain hands-on experience.
Application-based learning in the final years to prepare for real-world scenarios.
Opportunity to work collaboratively with other health care professionals.

Students will complete at least one formal work term in a professional environment, which may be paid or unpaid, requiring a minimum of 420 hours of work. This work term is essential for graduation and is designed to enhance employability upon completion of the program.

Featured Experiences

The Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Mandatory work term providing real-world experience in therapeutic recreation settings.
Hands-on placements that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical environments.
Collaboration with local communities for inclusive events, such as adapted ice hockey.
Access to a network of health care professionals through placements and work terms.
Engagement in experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for diverse career paths.

Career Options

Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program can explore a variety of career options in Canada, including:

Recreation Therapist: Develops and implements therapeutic recreation programs to improve clients' physical and mental well-being.
Rehabilitation Specialist: Works with individuals recovering from injuries or illnesses to facilitate their return to daily activities.
Program Coordinator: Oversees recreational programs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community centers.
Activity Director: Plans and manages recreational activities for various populations, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant: Provides expertise and guidance to organizations on best practices in therapeutic recreation.

These roles allow graduates to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities, promoting health and well-being through recreation.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Seneca Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (DTR) program, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or a mature applicant status, including six Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 65%.
Required courses with a minimum final grade of 65% in each:
- English: Grade 12 ENG4U

For international students, additional information is required based on the applicant's home country. It is important to note that all international applicants must meet Seneca’s Language Requirements. Additional documents or assessments may be required upon request.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the Academic Requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

All applicants to Seneca must be well prepared to study in English. If you are coming from a country where English is not the primary language, you must show one of the following:

Successful completion of a minimum of two years of full-time study in a school and country where English is the primary language
Successful completion of a minimum of one year of full-time study at the postsecondary level in an institution and country where English is the primary language
Successful completion of an intensive English program
English proficiency test scores from one of the international English language testing bodies listed below. Only tests taken in the last two years are considered valid

Please note that the requirements below are the minimum cut-offs and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Highly competitive program seats will be offered to the most highly qualified applicants based on ranking from highest to lowest.

Tests	Certificate Programs	Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs	Degree Programs	Graduate Certificate Programs
CAEL CE and CAEL online	Minimum 60	Minimum 60	Minimum 70 (Writing no less than 60)	Minimum 70 (Writing no less than 60)
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE)	Minimum 169 with no skill below 162	Minimum 169 with no skill below 162	Minimum 176 with no skill below 169	Minimum 176 with no skill below 169
Duolingo	Minimum score 105 to 110	Minimum score 105 to 110	Minimum score 115 to 120	Minimum score 120 to 125
IELTS Academic	Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5	Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5	Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0	Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0
PTE Academic	Minimum score 58	Minimum score 58	Minimum score 60	Minimum score 60
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition)	Minimum 80 with no skill below 20	Minimum 80 with no skill below 20	Minimum 84 with no skill below 21	Minimum 88 with no skill below 22
TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered	No skill below 20	No skill below 20	No skill below 21	No skill below 22

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!