Future undergraduate students

Shape the future of recreation and leisure

Recreation and Leisure Studies represents one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries.

If you think about it, anything that you are doing outside of work, school and sleeping, is some form of recreation and leisure.

Here at the University of Waterloo you'll learn from world-class professors how you can influence, encourage, and provide programs and services that help people maximize their quality of life. Whether you're into sports marketing, ecotourism, therapeutic recreation, or event management, the opportunities are endless.

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Meet Lauren, a current Recreation and Leisure Studies student (in the Recreation and Sport Business major). Find out what she really thinks about this program in her 73 questions video!

Programs

Apply to Recreation and Leisure Studies (co-op or regular) and then choose one of the majors as your "subject of major interest." You'll be admitted to Recreation and Leisure Studies, and then placed into the major you selected on your application when you start your studies in the fall:

Group of youth listening to leader speak.

Recreation and Leisure Studies

Learn how to plan, deliver, and manage the recreation and leisure services people use to get the most out of life (like concerts, camps, travel, vacations, sporting events etc.). Thanks to field trips and practicums, your learning will go way beyond the classroom.

Recreation student at Ontario Volleyball Championships.

Recreation and Sport Business

Our one-of-a-kind Recreation and Sport Business program lets you combine recreation and sport courses with transferable business skills - preparing you for a career in many different industries.

Student talking to Therapeutic Recreation professor with other students in background.

Therapeutic Recreation

Do you love working with people and creating positive change? Help individuals overcome barriers and get the most out of life. Graduate eligible to apply for certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation and registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario.

You also have the opportunity to pursue a double degreejoint honours degree, or choose from a selection of minors and options, including: Event Management Minor and Tourism Minor.  

Young professional works at laptop beside backdrop sign that says infinite potential.

Careers

Learn about the career paths some of our Recreation alumni have taken and see our graduation statistics to find out what our most recent graduating class is up to one year after completing our program.

Class visit and panel discussion at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

Co-op

As a Recreation and Leisure Studies student at the University of Waterloo, you have two great ways to study: co-op or regular. 

Orientation leaders do Faculty dance with mascot on orientation week.

Student life

We pride ourselves on providing an outstanding student experience - both inside and outside the classroom. At Waterloo, there are lots of opportunities to get involved and have new experiences.

Student calculates numbers on their phone beside laptop and cup of coffee.

Tuition and scholarships

Learn about funding and awards available.

Students sit in group in the Faculty of Health courtyard.

Visit us

Book a tour (in person or virtual), and get more details about upcoming events and information sessions.

Upcoming event: March Open House, Saturday, March 23.

Students hold frisbees on sunny day taking Faculty pledge on orientation week.

Find your program quizzes 

Take our quizzes to find your program in the Faculty of Health.

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Meet current students

“I chose this program because it’s broad. It covers a lot of my interests all the way from business to the community...and my huge love of sports."

My favourite part about the program is the hands-on learning experience in our classes. We get guest speakers who come in and, on top of that, field trips where we get to apply what we’re learning in the classroom and take action.

Musabbiha, Recreation and Sport Business

Meet other current students 

Questions?

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Contact Clare Stevens, our Faculty of Health recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions you have.