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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. 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.
In North America's top-rated leisure department for research into leisure, you can apply your learning to the work experience you can get through the co-op stream. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to develop programs and services that help people maximize their quality of life. Around the world, people spend billions of dollars on recreation, travel, and other leisure activities, making this one of the world's largest industries.
You have the choice of four 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 from three others. You'll .
Learn why our Recreation student ambassadors chose their program... and ask them any questions about what it's like!
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.
In North America for recreation and leisure research
Take part in a Disney exchange program
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
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About half of the classes you’ll take will be Recreation 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.
REC 215 – Marketing Recreation and Sport Services
REC 218 – Social Entrepreneurship for Change
REC 311 – Event Management
REC 405 – Leisure and Well-being
Offered by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
Apply directly to this program on your application
Earn a Bachelor of Arts 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.
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by pursuing a double degree, joint honours degree, or options, such as the Tourism Option and Parks Option.
You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular areas of focus for recreation students include Psychology, Social Development Studies, and Tourism.
Graduates often pursue careers in areas such as event management, program coordination, education, not-for-profit administration, facilities management, and community development.
Learn about the future of careers in health and helping professions.
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.
Available as a