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.
Meet Lauren, a current Recreation and Leisure Studies student. 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 three 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:
Recreation, Leadership, and Health
Learn how to plan, deliver, and manage recreation services that create healthy and happy communities. You’ll strengthen your leadership skills and focus on social justice throughout your degree to become an inclusive and innovative leader.
Sport and Recreation Management
Our one-of-a-kind Sport and Recreation Management program lets you combine recreation and sport courses with transferable business skills - preparing you for a career in many different industries.
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 degree, joint honours degree, or choose from a selection of minors and options, including: Event Management Minor and Tourism Minor.
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.
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.
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.
Visit campus
Book a tour (in person or virtual) to get more details about your program of interest and life at Waterloo!
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
Questions?
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Contact Vivienne Hang, our Faculty of Health recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions you have.