Recreation and Leisure Studies

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.

Waterloo Recreation students learn about tourism on an exchange to Disney

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

Breif CaseAvailable as a co-op and regular program

ClickApply directly to this program on your application

CapEarn a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies

 

#1In North America for recreation and leisure research

AHS brain symbolOffered by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Mickey MouseTake 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

What can you do with a degree 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

  • Youth Worker – Pioneer Youth Services  
  • Recreation Coordinator – Town of Halton Hills
  • Coordinator, Recreation and Student Life – Wilfrid Laurier University
  • Facility Program Supervisor – City of London
  • Teacher – Waterloo Catholic District School Board
  • Manager Registration and Travel – Tim Horton Children’s Foundation
  • Recreation Director – Mid-Sun Community Centre
  • Event Specialist – Oliver & Bonacini Events & Catering

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