Recreation and leisure studies are concerned with the ways in which health and well-being are enhanced through the effective use of leisure. The plan combines a knowledge of people, environments, and management into an academic package that prepares graduates for careers in a variety of public and private agencies. In addition, the plan provides a foundation for future graduate studies in a variety of disciplines. This Honours Bachelor of Arts academic plan allows students to obtain a proficiency in an area of specialization by taking one of the following majors or minors:
- Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Recreation and Sport Business
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Tourism Development
- Double major in Honours Recreation and Sport Business, Honours Therapeutic Recreation, and Honours Tourism Development
- Event Management Minor
- Tourism Minor
Joint honours degrees are available in different disciplines including such popular choices as Geography and Environmental Management, Psychology, Sociology, and Speech Communication.
Through technical and report writing, group and independent projects, interactions with leading professionals from the field, research, applied computer work, presentations, and case studies, students develop professional skills which are marketable in many employment settings.
The diverse backgrounds of the faculty, the variety of courses from which students may choose, and the option to select the co-operative or regular system of study, make recreation and leisure studies at the University of Waterloo one of the leading degrees of its kind in North America.