Lead the future of recreation with our online Master of Arts Recreation and Leisure Studies program.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, there is a need to build the capacity of leaders in the field of sport, recreation, health, and leisure. With this program, shape the future of recreation and leisure by addressing key global challenges like digital technology, climate change, and social inequality. Gain the skills to design inclusive, sustainable spaces that promote mental health, social connectedness, and community well-being, preparing you to make a lasting impact in today’s evolving world.
Offered online
The Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies (coursework) program offers flexibility, with the option to complete the program in 3 terms full-time or 6 terms part-time. The program will be offered online beginning in Fall 2025.
Program overview
Elevate your career and expand your expertise with the flexibility of an online master's program, designed to fit seamlessly into the busy schedules of recent graduates and working professionals. The online MA Recreation and Leisure Studies coursework degree program provides an in-depth examination of:
- Contemporary and emerging trends faced by leaders in the field of sport, recreation, health, and leisure.
- Practical skills to effectively manage, plan, and lead recreational and leisure activities.
- The optimization of health and well-being throughout the lifespan, at work and at leisure.
Layout
- Coursework-based | Online
- Full-time: 3 terms
- Part-time: 6 terms
- No Thesis required
Students must obtain permission from their supervisor(s), the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies and the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, to continue registration beyond the maximum time period stipulated for the program in which they first registered.
Areas of study
By combining theory and practice, we are deepening our understanding of the positive and negative aspects of leisure and developing new ways to enhance quality of life for individuals, families and communities.
Our faculty members are active scholars recognized for the high quality and quantity of their published work, in a variety of areas in the field including:
Admission requirements
- Minimum requirements
- A four-year honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Recreation and Leisure Studies or related field with at least a 75% standing. If the overall undergraduate average is below 75%, consideration may be given to the applicant's performance during the final year of academic work.
- Competency in written expression, including evidence of ability to conceptualize, organize ideas and reason.
- Application materials
- Resume/CV
- Indicating past academic and professional experience.
- Supplementary information form
- Transcript(s)
- Writing sample
- Applicants must submit at least one substantial example of their work completed during the last two years of academic study. Students with professional experience may submit a professional report of which they were the sole or senior author.
- Resume/CV
- References
- Number of references: 2
- Type of references: academic
- Professional references will be accepted from applicants who have been out of school for a substantial amount of time.
- English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)
Degree requirements
- Four required online courses – REC 600, REC 601, REC 611, REC 620
- Four elective online courses from within or outside the Department
- Department electives include REC 609, REC 610, REC 621, REC 641, REC 651
Graduate student resources
Application deadline: February 1
Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled.
Student stories
Growing up on a Caribbean Island, it was always interesting to Karin Browne that - for a place surrounded by water - it was apparent to her that few people were competent swimmers. Inspired by this and her love for swimming, Karin's MA Recreation and Leisure Studies work and research involves increasing access to aquatic programs for BIPOC populations.