Recreation and Leisure Studies

Recreation professionals deliver health, social, economic and environmental benefits through leisure services.

You may choose one of the following areas of concentration:

Community Recreation studies leisure services in diverse and changing communities, including management, community development and the needs of participants. Career opportunities exist in municipal and non-profit organizations, program development, and facility management with children, youth and seniors.

Outdoor Recreation focuses on leadership in the natural environment. You'll prepare to serve as a wilderness trip leader, facilitate groups in outdoor recreation settings, work in outdoor and experiential education environments, and promote social and environmental change in the world. Activities include lectures, outdoor and experiential activities, and small group work. Career opportunities exist in environmental education, outdoor adventure and leadership, K-12 classroom teaching, wilderness therapy, camp administration, ropes course facilitators and builders, and change makers.

Therapeutic Recreation is focused on the goal of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, have access to meaningful leisure in their lives. You'll gain hands-on experience in providing services to marginalized individuals (people with disabilities and illnesses, recent immigrants, people who experience poverty and
older adults), using leisure to improve functional abilities and quality of life. Career opportunities exist in rehabilitation centres, hospitals, mental health centres, long-term care homes, community organizations and private practices.

The Degree Pathway for Professionals initiative is intended for experienced professionals in recreation services who wish to complete their undergraduate studies in order to further their careers.

• Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies (BRLS)
• Degree Pathway for Professionals
• Minor in Outdoor Recreation

Expected cut-off: mid 70s
OUAC Code: BW

Not an Ontario Secondary School applicant? Find your admissions criteria here.

• Recreation co-ordinator
• Recreation facilities manager
• Recreation therapist
• Inclusion co-ordinator
• Outdoor educator