Sport and Recreation Leadership - Master of Arts (MA) (Online)

Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health Promotion

Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health Promotion located on Waterloo's main campus

Lead the future of recreation with the online Master of Arts in Sport and Recreation Leadership.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, there is a need to build the capacity of leaders in the field of sport, recreation, health, and leisure. With this program, you'll shape the future of sport and recreation leadership by addressing key global challenges like digital technology, climate change, and social inequality. Gain the skills to design inclusive, sustainable spaces that promote mental health, social connectedness, and community well-being, preparing you to make a lasting impact in today’s evolving world.

Elevate your career and expand your expertise with the flexibility of an online master's program, designed to fit seamlessly into the busy schedules of recent graduates and working professionals. This program provides an in-depth examination of:

  • Contemporary and emerging trends faced by leaders in the field of sport, recreation, health, and leisure.
  • Practical skills to effectively manage, plan, and lead recreational and leisure activities.
  • The optimization of health and well-being throughout the lifespan, at work and at leisure.

Program overview

Department/School: Recreation and Leisure Studies
Faculty: Faculty of Health
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: Online
Program type: Master's, Professional
Length of program: 12 months (full-time); 36 months (part-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Coursework

Application deadlines

  • June 1 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

Ibelemari Okojie
iokio@uwaterloo.ca

Admission requirements

  • A four-year honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Recreation and Leisure Studies or related field with at least a 75% standing. If the overall undergraduate average is below 75%, consideration may be given to the applicant's performance during the final year of academic work.
  • Competency in written expression, including evidence of ability to conceptualize, organize ideas and reason.

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.

Application materials

  • Resume/Curriculum vitae
    • Indicating past academic and professional experience.
  • Statement of interest
    • Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
    • Provide a statement of purpose addressing your academic/professional background and area of interest.
  • Program-specific questions (PSQ)
    • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application.
  • Transcript(s)
  • Writing sample
    • Applicants must submit at least one substantial example of their work completed during the last two years of academic study. Students with professional experience may submit a professional report of which they were the sole or senior author.
  • References
    • Two academic or professional references are required.
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and fees