Recreation and Leisure Studies degree

University of Waterloo recreation students on a rope swing in a forest

Get a job you love while making peoples' lives better

Did you know 95 percent of people engage in leisure or sport activities daily? Recreation is essential for our health – it’s how we have fun, get active, and connect with others!

Choose from one of three exciting majors when you apply: Recreation, Leadership, and Health; Sport and Recreation Management; or Therapeutic Recreation. Once admitted, you’ll receive an offer to Recreation and Leisure Studies, then jump right into your major starting in first year.

Each of the three majors is flexible, allowing you to customize your degree to your interests. You’ll build relevant skills and experience through co-op, hands-on assignments, and opportunities to venture out of the classroom and into the real world.

In this small, tight-knit program, don’t be surprised if profs know you by name, and you make lifelong friends with your classmates.

Choose from three majors

You'll apply to Recreation and Leisure Studies and then choose one of three majors starting right in first year. Check out seven ways to know if Recreation at Waterloo is for you to learn more.

Faculty:
Faculty of Health

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in your chosen major

Students in climbing gear look up and cheer on classmates

Recreation, Leadership, and Health

Hone your leadership skills while examining the role that recreation plays in the health of people and their communities.

Learn about Recreation, Leadership, and Health →

Sport and Recreation Management students participate in a seminar.

Sport and Recreation Management

Gain transferrable business skills combined with expertise in planning, managing, and evaluating sport and recreation programs and events.

Learn about Sport and Recreation Management →

University of Waterloo therapeutic recreation student in a pool with children

Therapeutic Recreation

Learn how to create, implement, and assess activities that support cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being in clinical and community settings.

Learn about Therapeutic Recreation →

First department of recreation in Canada. We've been leaders since day one and are dedicated to ensuring you gain the most relevant, up-to-date knowledge. Our graduates' success over the past 50 years has built our reputation for educating the health care leaders of tomorrow.

Get hands-on experience in class. Benefit from classes that include guest speakers, community outreach events, case studies, and real-life projects (such as conducting an accessibility assessment on campus or in a public building).

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.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application and select your subject of major interest.

Get information about programs, applying, and more!

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter

Get valuable updates and tips sent straight to your inbox!

Your date of birth is collected to confirm your identity and to match your details with a current or future application to Waterloo, if applicable. This information will be used solely for this purpose.
Optional newsletter content
I agree that the University of Waterloo may send me emails.
(You can change your preferences or unsubscribe at any time.)
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Clare Stevens has long brown hair and wears a black shirt

Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

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

From the Missing Manual

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies offers fantastic courses in a variety of topics. Read our article on...