The Master's program in Tourism Policy and Planning provides a unique education in which students will be part of a graduate program that integrates the social, cultural, environmental, economic and political perspectives on tourism.
The University of Waterloo has several faculty with distinguished international reputations in tourism education and research and has offered courses on tourism at both undergraduate and graduate levels for many years. Waterloo graduates have taken up many leading positions in tourism in both business and academia.
The overall objective of the Master's program in Tourism Policy and Planning is to provide a range of adaptable and trasferable skills, which will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. This general objective is supported by several specific objectives:
- to equip students with a broad knowledge of theory and research in tourism;
- to provide a strong research component focused on the needs and critical evaluation of tourism;
- to prepare students for research and administrative careers in the public and private sectors;
- to encourage originality and creativity.
Admission Requirements
- A four-year honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Recreation and Leisure Studies or related field with at least a B standing (75%). If the overall undergraduate average is below B, consideration may be given to the applicant's performance during the final year of academic work.
- Two letters of reference, both of which must be from academic sources.
- Proof of competency in English (if applicable), including a TOEFL score of 600 (250 in the computerized version) and TWE score of 4.0 for students required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. (See Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English.)
- Competency in written expression - including evidence of ability to conceptualize, organize ideas and reason.
- 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.
- A curriculum vitae/resume indicating your past academic and professional experience.
Students who do not meet the requirements outlined above may be considered for admission to a transitional, probationary or qualifying program depending on their academic background. (See Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations - Categories of Admission to the Master's Program)
Deadline for applications to the Master's program is February 1st.
Degree Requirements
Students can enroll in either the Faculty of Environmental for the Master of Applied Environmental Studies (MAES) or the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies for the Master of Arts (MA) degree.
Five graduate level courses are required over the course of the two-year program. Courses are taken from both the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and the Faculty of Environmental. Students will be required to write a thesis and will have an option to undertake an internship/practicum for credit.
Students will be required to complete at least one of the two research methods courses. TOUR 601 and TOUR 602 will provide the students with a foundation in conceptual, empirical, and methodological issues specific to tourism.
Students must successfully complete at least five courses plus a thesis, as specified below:
Core Courses/Thesis Milestone
- TOUR 601, TOUR 602
- Milestone: Thesis (normally supervised by Core or Supporting Faculty)
Data Analysis Elective - one of the following:
Substantive Electives - two of the following:
- REC 615, REC 630, REC 680, REC 685, TOUR 603, TOUR 604, REC 609/TOUR 609, REC697/TOUR 675
- One open elective from any Master's level program.
Faculty Advisors/Supervisors
Normally a faculty member in their home Faculty will advise students. Although students pursuing one of the two Master's degrees will follow a similar course of study regardless of their home Faculty.
Residence Requirements
Students are normally required to spend a minimum of 2 terms of full-time enrollment on campus (or equivalent part-time registration - 4 terms). Whatever variation is permitted from this normal schedule, all degree requirements must be completed within 2 years of initial registration. Time extension are not normally granted.