Sport and Recreation Management degree
Hit the books – then hit your career out of the park.
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 recreation with in-depth management skills that are transferable no matter where you land after graduation.
Take field trips to professional sport facilities, work with industry leaders, and learn teamwork with hands-on assignments. Between co-op 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
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
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
About half of the classes you’ll take will be Recreation and Leisure Studies courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View all the courses required for your degree.
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. Popular choices include Legal Studies, Human Resources Management, and Entrepreneurship.
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 focused on organizing and managing recreation and sport programs and events, you'll gain valuable business 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 resume by the time you graduate.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to 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 associate
- Outdoor education assistant
- Athletics and recreation sport marketing
- 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.
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 | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
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.
Graduates work for sports and entertainment companies, professional sports teams, non-profit organizations, community organizations, and large for-profit companies.
Sample graduates
- President of Hockey Operations and General Manager — Edmonton Oil Kings
- Communications Manager — Pretty River Sports Entertainment
- Coordinator, Game Operations — Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment
- Defensive, Special Teams Quality Control Coach — Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club
- Recreation Facilitator — Revera
- Club Support Coordinator — Kin Canada
- Membership Director — YMCA
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.
Tuition fees for programs in the Faculty of Health
First-year tuition
Type of fees | Tuition (8 months of school) |
---|---|
Domestic (Ontario residents) | $9,000 |
Domestic (Out of province students) | $9,000 |
International (visa students) | $50,000 |
- Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
- Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.
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 North America's largest 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.
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 (RLS). You'll apply to RLS for the Sport and Recreation Management major.
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 enrolled in Sport and Recreation Management and start that major in September.
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Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Vivienne Hang, our Faculty of Health recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.
You can also learn more about Sport and Recreation Management by viewing our digital program brochure.