Get a job you love while making peoples' lives better
Did you know 95 percent of people engage in leisure or sport activities daily? Recreation is essential for our health – it’s how we have fun, get active, and connect with others!
Choose from one of three exciting majors when you apply: Recreation, Leadership, and Health; Sport and Recreation Management; or Therapeutic Recreation. Once admitted, you’ll receive an offer to Recreation and Leisure Studies, then jump right into your major starting in first year.
Each of the three majors is flexible, allowing you to customize your degree to your interests. You’ll build relevant skills and experience through co-op, hands-on assignments, and opportunities to venture out of the classroom and into the real world.
In this small, tight-knit program, don’t be surprised if profs know you by name, and you make lifelong friends with your classmates.
Faculty:
Faculty of Health
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in your chosen major
Choose from three majors
You have the choice of three majors within the program, starting right in first year. You'll apply to Recreation and Leisure Studies and choose to major in Sport and Recreation Management; Recreation, Leadership, and Health; or Therapeutic Recreation. Check out seven ways to know if Recreation at Waterloo is for you to learn more.
Recreation, Leadership, and Health
Hone your leadership skills while examining the role of recreation plays in the health of people and their communities.
Sport and Recreation Management
Gain transferrable business skills combined with expertise in planning, managing, and evaluating sport and recreation programs and events.
Therapeutic Recreation
Learn how to create, implement, and assess activities that support cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being.
First department of recreation in Canada. We've been leaders since day one and are dedicated to ensuring you gain the most relevant, up-to-date knowledge. Plus, after 50+ years, our graduates' success has built our reputation for educating the health care leaders of tomorrow.
Get hands-on experience in class. Benefit from classes that include guest speakers, community outreach events, case studies, and real-life projects (such as conducting an accessibility assessment on campus or in a public building).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply?
Apply directly to this program on your application and select your subject of major interest.
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Topics include how to choose a program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, the differences between high school and university, and more.
Connect with a current student ambassador to learn about their experience in the program.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Vivienne Hang, our Faculty of Health recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.
You can also learn more about Recreation and Leisure Studies by viewing our digital program brochure.