The Master's degree program in Recreation and Leisure Studies is designed to achieve three objectives:
- to increase knowledge of the theories and concepts of leisure, and of thecontributions by the social sciences, the natural sciences, and the humanitiesfor understanding leisure.
- to develop the ability to use research methods and designs in problem solving,hypothesis testing, and theory development.
- to increase understanding of the importance of the applications of theories,methods, and models associated with leisure in contemporary society.
The MA program is designed for students who have demonstrated strong academic abilities at the undergraduate level. While there is a blend of applied and scholarly approaches, there is a strong emphasis on the ability to conceptualize and conduct independent research of high calibre.
Graduates from this program often seek careers which have a research component with governmental, professional, business or community organizations, or they go on to study at the PhD level. Admission and degree requirements are outlined in the following information.
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
The MA program requires five courses (0.5 unit weight) plus an MA thesis. REC 601 , REC 672 , REC 673 are required courses and at least two other graduate courses from within or outside the Department must also be successfully completed.
The MA can be completed either on a full or part-time basis. The degree requirements must be completed within the following time periods:
- Full-time - 6 terms
- Part-time - 15 terms
Students must obtain permission for the Department Graduate Committee and the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, to continue registration beyond the maximum time period stipulated for the program in which they first registered. (See Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations, Time Limits)
Faculty Advisors/Supervisors
When each graduate student enters the Department, the Graduate Officer serves as a temporary graduate advisor. The advisor will assist the student in the selection of courses and other matters relating to the program of study but will not necessarily act as the thesis supervisor. Normally, a student will choose a thesis supervisor from faculty in the Department. Course work should normally be completed by the third or fourth term before registering for the thesis.
Master's Thesis
For the MA Thesis, the committee consists of at least two faculty members in addition to the supervisor appointed in the student's department. One of the committee members may be drawn from the faculty members of any other department within the University especially if such an individual has a special contribution to make to the research process. Faculty members from other universities also may serve if sufficient reason is given to the Graduate Officer. The thesis supervisory committee must be approved by the Graduate Officer.
Student Evaluation
A review of each student's progress takes place during the month of May each year. Students are evaluated on several criteria, i.e., coursework and resulting grades, and, where appropriate, reports submitted by the students regarding their research and teaching assistantship activity. A grade average of at least B must be maintained.