Recreation and Leisure Studies at Waterloo

Do what you love, and help others do the same. In Recreation and Leisure Studies at Waterloo, you’ll learn how to design, implement, and improve recreation and leisure resources in the community.

Of course, helping people make the most of their leisure time is about more than fun and games. You’ll learn how to enhance quality of life by improving physical and mental health. You’ll also learn how well-designed recreation programs can foster inclusivity and strengthen the cultural fabric of a community.

You’ll be studying with the best: our program is consistently rated as the top in North America and was the first in Canada to offer a co-op stream. It also continues to be North America’s top-rated leisure department in terms of research.

The program's flexibility means you can easily combine your interests in recreation with other areas of study. Meanwhile, field trips and practicum placements mean you’ll get lots of opportunities for hands-on learning.

You’ll find plenty of job prospects when you graduate. Around the world, people spend billions of dollars on recreation, travel, and other leisure activities, making this one of the world's largest industries. 

Majors within Recreation and Leisure Studies

You have the choice of 4 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 program

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 database.

First-year courses

Co-op in Recreation and Leisure Studies

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 positions

• SHARKS Program Coordinator, YMCA Canada
• Community Support Worker, Hutton House
• Recreation Therapy Intern, West Park Healthcare Centre
• Program Coordinator, Power Play Centre
• Athletics Coordinator, George Brown College
• Summer Camp Counsellor, Tim Horton's Children's Foundation
• Marketing Analyst, Evantage

 Careers

Helpful links

• Contact Pamela Hurvid, our recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions about the majors in Recreation and Leisure Studies
• Visit the Recreation and Leisure Studies website
• Request a Faculty of Applied Health Sciences brochure
• Related Programs: Honours Arts