As the highest ranking leisure studies department in North America since 1990*, our researchers are leaders in exploring the intersection of recreation and health.
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is pushing frontiers in fields like recreation and sport management, therapeutic recreation and tourism development to better understand the complex social and psychological factors that drive health and well-being. By combining theory and practice, we are deepening our understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of leisure and developing new ways to enhance quality of life for individuals, families and communities.
Areas of focus
- Therapeutic recreation
- Tourism development
- Recreation and sport business
- Community, environment, health and well-being
- Identity and diversity
- Organizations, service and policy
Excellence in leisure sciences
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is home to the largest and most diverse cohort of researchers in leisure sciences. Since 1980, 13 of our faculty members have been inducted as fellows of the Academy of Leisure Sciences for their significant impacts in research and teaching. With scholars specializing in social marketing, human development and aging, gender studies, and social justice, our comprehensive approach is setting a standard of excellence in leisure sciences and providing unparalleled insights into the way recreation affects physical and mental health.
*Leisure Sciences (2004) and Journal of Leisure Research (2011)
