Sport and Recreation Management degree

Take your place in the starting lineup of tomorrow's sport and recreation leaders

Prepare for an exciting career in the multi-billion-dollar sport and recreation industry. With this versatile degree, you’ll combine your passion for sport and business with in-depth management skills that are transferable to any job, no matter what you pursue upon graduation.

Take field trips to professional sport facilities nearby or abroad, work directly with industry leaders, and learn how to be a team player through hands-on assignments.

Between co-op work terms, connections with Waterloo's Department of Athletics and Recreation, and lots of real-world learning opportunities, you'll build your professional network and expand your career potential in no time.

Graduate with a well-rounded business background you can refine and build, whether you work in professional sport, in municipal recreation with children and youth, or even when launching your own startup.

What courses will you take in Sport and Recreation Management?

First-year courses

You'll take Recreation and Leisure Studies courses that dive into the theory and importance of leisure, recreation programming, and the foundations of sport management.

September to December

REC 100 – Introduction to the Study of Recreation and Leisure
REC 101 – Introduction to Leisure, Sport, and Recreation Management
REC 120 – Experience Design and Delivery
- Learn about the overnight REC 120 retreat
HEALTH 107 – Sociology of Activity, Health, and Well-being
PSYCH 101 – Introductory Psychology

January to April

REC 215 – Marketing Recreation, Sport, and Events
BET 100 – Foundations of Entrepreneurial Practice
Three electives

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

About half of the required classes you'll take will be Recreation and Leisure Studies courses, with topics ranging from the business of professional sport to event planning and design. The other half dives into core business fundamentals, such as human resources management and entrepreneurship.

With your remaining elective classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo to explore areas of interest, take pre-requisite courses, or pursue a minor.

View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

REC 213 – The Business of Professional Sport
REC 313 – Amateur Sport from Playground to Podium
MGMT 244 – Principles of Marketing
REC 413 – Innovative Solutions in Recreation and Sport Business

Customize your degree

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

Event Management
Tourism

You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. The Event Management minor is a popular choice among students in this program

View "Sport and Recreation Management at the University of Waterloo" on YouTube

Faculty:
Faculty of Health

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Recreation Management

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
No

Sports + recreation + business. Along with courses about organizing and managing recreation and sport programs and events, you'll gain valuable skills in marketing, communications, finance, and human resources that apply to any industry.

Real-world experience. From industry case studies and projects to field trips and experiential learning, you’ll have lots to add to your résumé by the time you graduate.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Learn about Katie's co-op experiences in Sport and Recreation Management.

Sample co-op job titles

Recreation program assistant
Promotions and events coordinator
Tournament operations assistant
Marketing outreach and events assistant

Outdoor education assistant
Athletics and recreation marketing assistant
Community recreation facilitator
Sports management coordinator

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

Year	September to December (Fall)	January to April (Winter)	May to August (Spring)
First	Study	Study	Off
Second	Study	Co-op	Study
Third	Co-op	Study	Co-op
Fourth	Study	Co-op	Study
Fifth	Co-op	Study	-

Learn more about co-op →

What careers can you pursue with a Sport and Recreation Management degree?

With such a huge range of skills, our graduates pursue careers in a variety of areas related to sports, recreation, and business. This includes marketing and communications, game operations, event management, facilities management, human resources, and more.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Sport event coordinator

By coordinating teams, vendors, and logistics, you’ll help ensure everything runs smoothly so participants can focus on performing and audiences can fully enjoy the moment. This role is a great fit if you thrive on fast-paced, exciting environments.

Facility manager

Every great sports experience starts with a well-run venue that feels safe, organized, and welcoming. Managing daily operations includes staff and equipment, as well as keeping arenas, gyms, and recreation centers running at their best. You’ll enjoy this path if you like leadership and keeping complex operations on track.

Marketing coordinator

Build excitement around teams and events, creating the moments fans connect with before, during, and after the game. Design campaigns, manage social media, and shape a brand to grow engagement and loyalty. This role suits someone who thrives on creativity, communication, and the energy of sports culture.

Recreation program manager

Design and oversee community sports and recreation programs. You would create opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and engaged in organized activities.

Sponsorship and partnerships coordinator

Build relationships between sports organizations and sponsors. Help secure funding, manage partnerships, and ensure both sides benefit from the collaboration.

Fan experience director

Focus on making events memorable for attendees. You would design interactive experiences, organize entertainment, and ensure fans feel engaged from start to finish.

Athlete services coordinator

Support athletes by managing schedules, travel, and resources. You would act as a key point of contact, ensuring athletes can focus on performance while everything else runs smoothly.

Community relations manager

Connect sports organizations with their communities. You would plan outreach initiatives, organize charity events, and help build meaningful relationships with fans and local groups.

Sport media coordinator

Help create and manage content related to sports teams or events. You would write updates, capture highlights, and engage audiences through digital platforms.

Fitness and recreation supervisor

Oversee staff and programs in a fitness or recreation setting. You would ensure activities run safely, support team members, and help create a welcoming environment.

Club manager

Oversee the operations of a sports club or team. You would manage memberships, finances, and programming while ensuring a positive experience for players and participants.

Graduate stories

Learn about what some graduates are doing with their degree.

Learn more about the future of careers in business.

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

Common questions about the program

Why do I apply for Recreation and Leisure Studies to study Sport and Recreation Management?

Recreation and Leisure Studies is the entry program - or gateway - to three distinct majors: Recreation, Leadership, and Health; Sport and Recreation Management; and Therapeutic Recreation. You'll apply to Recreation and Leisure Studies and pick Sport and Recreation Management as your major on your application. Once you confirm your Offer of Admission, we'll enroll you in Sport and Recreation Management.

Though each of the majors has a different focus, specialized courses, and unique identity, you'll be a part of the greater Recreation and Leisure Studies community and get to know students outside your major too!

What’s the difference between this program and sport management or sport administration programs at other universities?

There are always subtle differences between similar programs at different universities. At Waterloo, you'll learn how to apply business skills in community and professional settings, and you'll learn about the broader recreation industry, opening doors to additional career options. Plus you'll have the advantage of exploring careers and gain relevant work experience through the world's leading co-op program or the EDGE certificate program for students not in co-op.

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.

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.
You can complete over a longer period as a part-time program.

"We have the best professors who care about you and what your interests are beyond the classroom. I’m grateful for the office hour chats and advice they gave me over the years; I regularly leverage the different techniques I learned in class in my job." Katie, fifth-year Sport and Recreation Management student (co-op)

"Every university experience is different, but if you want to make the most out of your time here at Waterloo, make sure that you get involved! There are so many things that you can do on campus that can make your experience here so great!" Lauren, second-year Sport and Recreation Management student

"Going into the community and getting to experience and see first-hand the impact recreation and leisure has on people’s lives is incredible. On campus, it's comforting to have approachable professors who are always willing to help students." Sarah, fourth-year Sport and Recreation Management student

"My co-op position turned into a full-time job! Now, I'm the General Manager of an athletics facility. It requires a number of different skills. I’m confident the things I learned in class are what prepared me to be successful in this field." Bryce, Sport and Recreation Management graduate

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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 for Recreation and Leisure Studies.

How to apply

Apply to Recreation and Leisure Studies and choose Sport and Recreation Management as your major.

Offers of admission

If you're admitted to the program, your Offer of Admission will be to Recreation and Leisure Studies. Once you accept your Offer, you’ll be registered in Sport and Recreation Management and start that major in September.