Program Overview

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Introduction to Sport and Recreation Management

The Sport and Recreation Management degree at the University of Waterloo is a versatile program that combines passion for sport and business with in-depth management skills. This program is designed to prepare students for an exciting career in the multi-billion-dollar sport and recreation industry.

Program Overview

The Sport and Recreation Management program is offered through the Faculty of Health and is available as a co-op program or a regular program. The program takes four years to complete as a full-time student through the regular system of study, or five years to complete through the co-op system of study.

First-Year Courses

In the first year, students take Recreation and Leisure Studies courses that dive into the theory and importance of leisure, recreation programming, and the foundations of sport management. The courses include:

• 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
• HEALTH 107 – Sociology of Activity, Health, and Well-being
• PSYCH 101 – Introductory Psychology

After First Year

About half of the required classes will be Recreation and Leisure Studies courses, with topics ranging from the business of professional sport to event planning and design. The other half will dive into core business fundamentals, such as human resources management and entrepreneurship.

Sample Upper-Year Courses

Some sample upper-year courses include:

• REC 213 – The Business of Professional Sport
• REC 313 – Amateur Sport from Playground to Podium
• REC 319 – Event Planning and Design
• REC 413 – Innovative Solutions in Recreation and Sport Business

Customizing Your Degree

Students can add additional areas of interest and expertise by including one or more of the following areas of focus within the program:

• Event Management
• Tourism

Students can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students, such as Legal Studies, Human Resources Management, and Entrepreneurship.

Co-op Program

The co-op program provides students with relevant paid work experience, allowing them to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, and graduate with up to two years of valuable experience.

Sample Co-op Job Titles

Some sample co-op job titles include:

• Recreation program assistant
• Promotions and events coordinator
• Tournament operations assistant
• Marketing outreach and events assistant
• Outdoor education assistant
• Athletics and recreation marketing assistant
• Community recreation facilitator
• Sports management coordinator

Co-op Work-Study Sequence

The co-op work-study sequence typically starts in the second year, with students alternating between school and work every four months.

Careers

With a Sport and Recreation Management degree, graduates can pursue careers in a variety of areas related to sports, recreation, and business. Some sample careers include:

• Marketing and communications
• Game operations
• Event management
• Facilities management
• Human resources

Graduates work for sports and entertainment companies, professional sports teams, non-profit organizations, community organizations, and large for-profit companies.

Sample Graduates

Some sample graduates include:

• 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

Admission Requirements

Ontario students must have six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including any Grade 12 U English with a minimum final grade of 70%. The admission average is typically in the low 80s for both co-op and regular programs.

How to Apply

Students apply to Recreation and Leisure Studies and choose Sport and Recreation Management as their major. If admitted, the Offer of Admission will be to Recreation and Leisure Studies, and students will be enrolled in Sport and Recreation Management once they accept their offer.

Conclusion

The Sport and Recreation Management degree at the University of Waterloo is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the sport and recreation industry. With a strong focus on business and management, this program is ideal for students who are passionate about sport and want to pursue a career in this field.