Recreation and Leisure Studies (BA)
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Offered by:Department of Applied Human Sciences, Faculty of Arts & Science
Why study Recreation and Leisure Studies?
Design community programs and activities that help people improve their quality of life and health and have more fun. In a culture that values productivity and work, recreation plays a key role in maintaining a healthy work–life balance. When you study Recreation and Leisure Studies, you learn administrative and programming skills that help you develop leisure programs for all ages.
The curriculum straddles the classroom and the community; real-life experiences give you the opportunity to hone your leadership and teamwork skills. You’ll also:
- Apply social psychological theories to the practice of leisure programming and administration
- Assess community leisure needs and find creative solutions for meeting them
- Learn to coordinate and execute special events, recreation and leisure programs for the community-at-large
- Engage in fieldwork with community organizations to evaluate the success of recreation and leisure programs
Concordia’s hands-on approach provides a solid foundation for future graduate studies in such fields as recreation and leisure studies, community or organization development, and public or business administration. Students graduate with transferable skills that bring about empowerment, self-management and effective teamwork in rapidly changing workplaces.
Program Details
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options:
- Specialization in Recreation and Leisure Studies (60 credits)
The Specialization deals with the social and cultural integration of the individual at leisure, giving students skills in an in-depth look at recreation administration and/or recreation programming.
- Major in Recreation and Leisure Studies (42 credits)
The Major is intended for students who want to develop an understanding of leisure in modern society and skills in recreation leadership and programming.
See full degree requirements for both options in the Undergraduate Calendar
Cegep Students
No specific courses are required beyond the DEC
Additional Requirements
All applicants to the Specialization and Major in Recreation and Leisure Studies programs are required to submit a Letter of Intent with their Concordia University admission application. This is your opportunity as a prospective student to express, in writing, why you wish to enter the Department of Applied Human Sciences. The letter should include:
- A statement of both your long-term and short-term goals.
- Your reasons for choosing Applied Human Sciences.
- Your strengths and weaknesses as a candidate.
- The experiences you have had that led you to apply (including work and volunteer experience).
Special note: CEGEP graduates of Techniques de Loisirs (Dawson College), Special Care Counselling (Vanier College, Lasalle College), Social Services (Dawson College) and Correctional Technology (John Abbott College) may have credits applied to their degrees based on their course of study at CEGEP. Applicants will be informed of any credits awarded in their Offer of Admission.
Minimum Cut-off Averages
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
- Quebec Cegep (CRC): 22.0
- Canadian High Schools: 72%
- U.S. High Schools: B-
- University Transfers (internal/external): B-
- International Bacc. (IB): 27
- Bacc. Français: 12
(excluding diplôme professionnelle)
Make sure you also meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
November 1 Not all programs are available for this term. Please check program availability. |
| Outside Canada (International) | February 1 | September 1 |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
- Community Recreation Planning
- Leisure Education
- Leadership in Leisure Services
- Leisure and the Environment
Consult the undergraduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Recreation and Leisure Studies alumni have established careers in a variety of areas that include:
- Municipal recreation and park departments
- Youth service organizations
- Community recreation
Related programs
United States students
A US Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all US regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
