Sport Management Certificate | Waterloo International

Study abroad at the University of Waterloo!

Students have the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Global Sport Management from the University of Waterloo, Canada's most innovative university.

Come learn from top professors in the classroom and industry experts in real-world settings, gaining the latest insights into sports leadership, management, e-sports, and more. Enhance your skills and get ready to make your mark in the dynamic world of sports and business!

Gain key insights in a number of areas with 14 hours of in-class instruction led by University of Waterloo professors

Sport Innovation and Disruption

Anticipate the future by learning about recent innovations and emerging technology in sport.

Sport Data and Analytics

Gain a new understanding of how data-driven decisions are made and driving the future of sport from franchise models, team efficiency, and player profiles.

The Canadian Sport Ecosystem

Delve into the ecosystem that supports sport from the local system to high performance system in Canada and how governance and key stakeholders impact sport participation.

The Transformative Power of Sport

Take a critical look at the potential for transformative impacts of sport for individuals, communities, and society.

Sport Marketing and Sponsorship

Explore the marketing needs and strategies of sport organizations as well as digital marketing, fan engagement, and sponsorship activation.

Esports Management and Development

Learn about the trends, growth, and opportunities of Esports tournaments and leagues from marketing, technology, game design, and ethics.

Sport Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment

Learn about measuring success through key performance indicators for sport programs and critically analyze the social, economic, and environmental impacts of sport initiatives.

Sport Event Impacts

Take a close look at the ways sport events are planned and managed to deliver business and social impacts.

Sports and Fandom

Learn about the social issues in sports and the background context for the rise and fall of professional leagues.

Managing Sport Volunteers

Learn about how the voluntary sector drives the delivery sport in many countries and what motivates sport volunteers to contribute as board members, coaches, and other key roles.

Careers in Sport Management and Building Networks with LinkedIn

Fast-forward your career in the sport industry by learning about personal branding, professional networks, and career development strategies using LinkedIn.

#1 most innovative university in Canada Maclean's University Rankings 2025

#1 in Canada for Hospitality and Tourism Management 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities

#1 comprehensive research university in Canada Research Infosource 2024

Explore and grow - inside and outside the classroom

In addition to enhancing your knowledge of the field of sports, this international experience increases your proficiency in navigating diverse environments, and exposes you to Canadian lifestyle and natural wonders, making you a more engaged and proficient global citizen.

How will this program benefit you?

Today, proficiency in navigating diverse cultural environments is essential for success in Sport Management. These skills include the ability to adapt to various sporting contexts, communicate fluently across cultural divides and manage different team dynamics, organizational structures, and approaches to athletic development. That's why this program, offered through collaboration between the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Waterloo International, and Renison University College, is a game-changer as it will allow you to build upon all of these and more.

What will you do?

You will have the opportunity to attend a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game and tour the Scotiabank Arena, explore the on-campus Esports lab, visit the Granite Curling Club, and participate in a tour of the Kitchener Auditorium followed by a lively discussion with the manager of the Kitchener Rangers hockey team. You will also have the opportunity to skate around at the Columbia Ice Fields, watch the Waterloo Warriors hockey team practice, discover the rapidly growing sport of pickleball with the Cambridge Forefathers, and take part in a game of soccer or ultimate frisbee at the UW Field House. On weekends, you will have the chance to explore Toronto, Canada's vibrant urban hub, and visit Niagara Falls, one of Canada's breathtaking natural wonders.*

*Activities are subject to change

Where will you stay?

To help you immerse yourself in the diversity of the Canadian lifestyle, you will be housed in accommodations off-campus. Chaperones and adult guides employed by Waterloo International will accompany you, ensuring both safe and enriching experiences throughout the program.

About the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment where theory meets practice. With a rich tradition of exploring the cultural, social, and economic dimensions of leisure, recreation, and sport, the department prepares students to become innovative professionals and critical thinkers in a rapidly evolving industry. Students benefit from a curriculum that blends academic rigor with hands-on learning experiences, incorporating insights from sociology, psychology, history, and management to provide a well-rounded understanding of leisure phenomena. This integrated approach ensures that graduates emerge as innovative leaders ready to make a significant impact in the dynamic field of leisure, recreation, and sport.

Program details

Date: May 12-16, 2025

Fees: $4,000 CAD including tax

The total cost to participate in this program, including airport pick-up, transportation, accommodation, health insurance, and meals, is $4,000 CAD

QUESTIONS?

For further information, please contact Ishari Waduwara-Jayabahu at ishari.waduwara-jayabahu@uwaterloo.ca.

About Renison University College

Renison University College is one of four affiliated colleges at the University of Waterloo. Located on the Waterloo campus, Renison provides a small community experience within the larger University of Waterloo student population. Since its founding, the college has delivered innovative courses and programs that help students, teachers, and other professionals succeed in academic and professional environments.