Recreation and Leisure Studies

Create experiences that improve health and build communities

Students in the Recreation and Leisure Studies progarm at the University of Waterloo.

Recreation and Leisure Studies students gain hands-on experience in their REC 120 - Program Management and Evaluation course.

In one of North America’s top-rated leisure departments, learn to enhance people’s quality of life by improving physical, social, and mental health opportunities. In Recreation and Leisure Studies, you’ll discover how well-designed recreation programs can foster inclusivity and strengthen the cultural fabric of a community.

Thanks to field trips and practicums, your learning goes way beyond the classroom. Gain industry-related experience in your courses, through paid co-op work terms, or in a 105-hour practicum. With 15 elective courses you can choose, you can easily combine your interests in Recreation with other areas of study or even do a double major degree.

The recreation, leisure, and travel sector – one of the world's largest industries – provides lots of exciting and rewarding career opportunities within Canada and globally.

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 either keep that as your major or choose to major in Recreation and Sport Business or Therapeutic Recreation. Check out seven ways to know if Recreation at Waterloo is for you to learn more.

Program highlights

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.
Join an industry worth billions of dollars. There's an incredible range of careers waiting for you when you graduate... jobs where you get to make people's lives better and more enjoyable.
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).

Available as a regular or co-op program
Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in your major
Offered by the Faculty of Health

Discover if Recreation and Leisure Studies is right for you.

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What will you learn?

First-year courses

You'll take a mix of Recreation courses and electives to give you an abundance of choice while providing the foundations for your upper-year classes. After first year, about half of the classes you’ll take will be Recreation courses.

Learn about courses you'll take for your degree.

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of interest and expertise by including one or more of the areas of focus within the program.

Event Management
Tourism

You can also pursue a double degree, joint honours degree, or one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular areas of focus for recreation students include Psychology, Social Development Studies, and Tourism.

Get tips from Waterloo students

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.

Questions? Ask a student!

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.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

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

What can you do with a degree in recreation?

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

Learn about Jonathan's unique career path following his graduation from Recreation and Leisure Studies or discover the future of careers in health and helping professions.

Read profiles and view videos about the path Recreation graduates took to pursue their career.

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)
Education (teacher's college)
Project management

Tourism
Law
Social work

Common questions about the program

What’s the difference between Recreation and Leisure Studies and similar programs at other universities and colleges?

Waterloo was the first university in Canada to have a Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and we continue to have a strong reputation among employers. Our program’s multidisciplinary approach will prepare you for careers in a variety of settings from community to not-for-profit to professional organizations. With over 40 recreation-related courses, flexibility in electives, and experiential learning opportunities like co-op and our EDGE certificate program, you’ll have a distinct advantage when pursuing your careers or further education.

What’s the difference between a college diploma and a university degree in recreation?

Entry-level careers might be similar for diploma and degree holders, but many diploma holders eventually pursue a degree in order to expand their career options. While a degree usually takes longer to complete, it usually covers more theoretical knowledge that can help you create and adapt to major changes in the industry. Having an undergraduate degree also means that you can more easily pursue further education such as a Master’s degree that can expand career options even further.

How long does it take to complete this program?

It takes four years to complete this program as a full-time student through the regular system of study in which you’ll take courses between September and April each year and have your summers off.
You can also choose the co-op system of study where you’ll alternate between full-time studies and full-time jobs relating to your program. A co-op program takes five years to complete – and you’ll graduate with nearly two years of paid work experience.
It could also be completed over a longer period as a part-time program.

Is this program available online?

No. While you may be able to take some courses online, most courses required for the degree are available through in-person classes only.

"I came into university unsure of what I wanted to do. I also wasn’t very good at job interviews. Co-op let me explore my passions and practice my interview skills. Through co-op, I've also learned that you need to love what you do to be happy."Justine, second-year Recreation and Leisure Studies student

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.

Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact the Health recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.

Not sure which Recreation major is right for you?