Learn why current MA Recreation and Leisure Studies student, Lindsay Kalbfleisch chose the University of Waterloo for her graduate program, what her graduate student experience is like, and a little more about her research goals.
Studying with the best
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is an internationally renowned leader for over two decades among some 250 North American programs in the discipline. In addition, we are among the top ten of the world's tourism researcher institutions.
Our graduate programs at the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy levels are the first of their kind in Canada and remain the largest. We've since expanded our offerings with innovative collaborative programs in Work and Health, and Aging, Health, and Well-being.
Innovative approaches to research
Renowned for innovative methodological approaches, our research-intensive programs feature core courses in Epistemological and Methodological Issues in Leisure Research, Quantitative Research Data Analysis and Interpretation, and Qualitative Research Data Analysis and Interpretation in addition to a wide range of electives.
Because of the broad spectrum of research interests within the Department, candidates come from a variety of different disciplinary backgrounds including business, geography, kinesiology, health studies, psychology and sociology as well as recreation and leisure studies. You will have an opportunity to interact with faculty members and other students to explore research interests through a variety of lenses and contexts.
Your mind, our mentors
Our faculty members are active scholars recognized for the high quality and quantity of their published work, success at obtaining research funding, involvement in leadership roles in professional organizations, and review board activities for the major journals in the field and for granting agencies.
You can be part of our success
Outstanding graduate students are vital to our success as a research-intensive university. Many of our graduates have obtained international, national or provincial awards and scholarships. In addition, many have presented their research at national and international conferences. Learn more about our admission requirements and process, funding opportunities, and sample careers of our graduates to see how you can be part of our success.
