Recreation and Leisure Studies (BA)

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.

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

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec Cegep: 20
  • Additional information for Cegep applicants
• High School: C+
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required 
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• University Transfers (internal/external): C
• Baccalauréat français: 11
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26

Additional requirements for admission

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 of Intent 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 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.

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