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Recreation and Leisure Studies (BA)

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Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Major, Specialization
Primary campus
Loyola (LOY)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter
Experiential learning
Internship

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 highlights

  • Gain a credential to lead community groups and have a positive impact on peoples’ lives
  • Unique hands-on approach mixes theory and practice

Program structure

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.

Courses

United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.

Admission criteria

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

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.

Application deadlines

Fall term

FALL TERM

March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Winter term

WINTER

November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.

We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.

After your degree

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

Other programs of interest

Human Relations (BA)

Expertise in human relationships in the community and the workplace sets you on a path towards the helping professions.

Department

Faculty

Therapeutic Recreation (BA)

When you study therapeutic recreation, your passion for people shapes you into an agent for change. As a therapeutic recreation specialist, you assess individual leisure needs in order to design specialized programs for individuals with physical, social, intellectual, or emotional disabilities.

Department

Faculty

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