Program Overview

MA Recreation and Leisure Studies (coursework)

The Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies (coursework) program is designed to build the capacity of leaders in the field of sport, recreation, health, and leisure. This program addresses key global challenges like digital technology, climate change, and social inequality, and provides students with the skills to design inclusive, sustainable spaces that promote mental health, social connectedness, and community well-being.

Program Overview

The online MA Recreation and Leisure Studies coursework degree program provides an in-depth examination of:

• Contemporary and emerging trends faced by leaders in the field of sport, recreation, health, and leisure.
• Practical skills to effectively manage, plan, and lead recreational and leisure activities.
• The optimization of health and well-being throughout the lifespan, at work and at leisure.

Layout

• Coursework-based | Online
• Full-time: 3 terms
• Part-time: 6 terms
• No Thesis required

Students must obtain permission from their supervisor(s), the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies and the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, to continue registration beyond the maximum time period stipulated for the program in which they first registered.

Areas of Study

By combining theory and practice, the program deepens the understanding of the positive and negative aspects of leisure and develops new ways to enhance quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. The faculty members are active scholars recognized for the high quality and quantity of their published work in areas including:

• Leisure, health and well-being
• Leisure and community
• Leisure, space and place
• Leisure and social justice
• Leisure organizations, services and policy

Admission Requirements

• Minimum requirements
  • A four-year honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Recreation and Leisure Studies or related field with at least a 75% standing.
  • Competency in written expression, including evidence of ability to conceptualize, organize ideas, and reason.
• Application materials
  • Resume/CV indicating past academic and professional experience.
  • Supplementary information form
  • Transcript(s)
  • Writing sample: Applicants must submit at least one substantial example of their work completed during the last two years of academic study. Students with professional experience may submit a professional report of which they were the sole or senior author.
• References
  • Number of references: 2
  • Type of references: academic. Professional references will be accepted from applicants who have been out of school for a substantial amount of time.
• English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Degree Requirements

• Six required online courses – REC 600, REC 601, REC 611, REC 620, REC 621, REC 641
• Two elective online courses from within or outside the Department. Department electives include REC 609, REC 651

Application Deadline

Applications submitted after February 1 will be considered on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled.