It’s about more than fun and games. Really.
Discover how to enhance quality of life by improving physical, social, and mental health. In Recreation and Leisure Studies, you’ll learn how well-designed recreation programs can foster inclusivity and strengthen the cultural fabric of a community.
You’ll learn how to plan, manage, and deliver programs for all kinds of people — and thanks to field trips and practicums, that learning goes way beyond the classroom.
When you graduate, you’ll find plenty of job prospects. Around the world, people spend billions of dollars on recreation, travel, and other leisure activities, making this one of the world's largest industries.
Learn from top researchers
We continue to be North America's top-rated leisure department in terms of research.
15 electives = lots of choice
You can easily combine your interests in Recreation with other areas of study or even do a double major degree.
Majors within Recreation and Leisure Studies
You have the choice of four majors within the program. You'll apply to Recreation and Leisure Studies and select either Recreation and Leisure Studies, Recreation and Sport Business, Therapeutic Recreation, or Tourism Development as your subject of major interest. You'll start your major right in first year.
A popular option in the program is the exchange to the University of Florida and Walt Disney World Resort. Learn about tourism, hospitality, and destination and event management in one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
About the Recreation and Leisure Studies program
Apply directly to this program on your application
Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies
In North America for recreation and leisure research
Offered by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
Take part in a Disney exchange program
Recreation and Leisure Studies admission requirements
- Ontario students: 6 Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English - (final grade of 70% is required)
- Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
- An Admission Information Form is strongly recommended
- Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements
Careers in Recreation and Leisure Studies
Graduates often pursue careers in areas such as event management, program coordination, education, not-for-profit administration, facilities management, and community development.
Recent graduates
- Teacher, Bluewater District School Board
- Camp Manager, YMCA
- Competitions Officer, Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada
- Wellness & Vitality Manager, Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc.
- Marketing & Activity Director, Waterloo Heights Apartments
- Recreation Therapist, Brantford General Hospital
Further education
While the full range of further education depends on your individual interests, these are common areas where graduates pursued a master's, PhD, or other professional program.
- Business administration (MBA)
- Project management
- Tourism
- Law
- Social work
First-year Recreation and Leisure Studies courses
September to December
REC 100 - Introduction to the Study of Recreation and Leisure
REC 101 - Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services
REC 120 - Program Management and Evaluation
AHS 107 - Sociology of Activity, Health, and Well-being
PSYCH 101 - Introductory Psychology
January to April
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology
Four electives
After first year
About half of the classes you’ll take will be Recreation and Leisure Studies courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View all the courses required for your degree.
Sample upper-year courses
REC 215 – Marketing Recreation and Sport Services
REC 218 – Social Entrepreneurship for Change
REC 311 – Event Management
REC 405 – Leisure and Well-being
Customize your Recreation and Leisure Studies degree
You can also add additional areas of interest and expertise by including a minor/minors as part of your degree.
You also have the opportunity to pursue a double degree, joint honours degree, or options, such as the Tourism Option and Parks Option.
Gain relevant work experience through co-op
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Community recreation facilitator
- Recreation therapy intern
- Summer camp counsellor
- Marketing events outreach assistant
- Outdoor education assistant
- Guest services coordinator
Sample co-op employers
- YMCA Canada
- George Brown College
- Tim Horton's Children's Foundation
- City of Markham
- Toronto District School Board
- Waterloo Regional Museum
Learn more about Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Email Pamela Hurvid, our Applied Health Sciences recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions about the program
- Visit the Recreation and Leisure Studies website
- Related programs: Honours Arts, Recreation and Sport Business, Therapeutic Recreation, or Tourism Development
