Recreation Management (BSc)(BMgmt)
Manage and lead recreational programs and services.
Why choose this program?
This unique program is offered jointly by Dalhousie's School of Health and Human Performance and the Faculty of Management. After five years, you'll graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Recreation) and a Bachelor of Management—with a strong background in both the recreation and management fields. You'll have the business know-how and recreation management skills you'll need to start an exciting career in the growing recreation and leisure service industry. Our alumni and practicing professionals help guide our curriculum, which means you'll receive the skills and knowledge that employers are seeking.
Our Recreation Management program is now accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Park, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT), and is the first program of its type to be accredited in Canada.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12 (min. 70%)
Academic Math 12 (min. 70%)
Three additional academic subjects
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
The program has an honours option that allows you to complete a thesis in an area of your choice under the supervision of one of our faculty members. Past students have completed theses in diverse areas such as canine companionship and well-being, university mental health initiatives, and spirituality in therapeutic recreation.
The 16-week internship in the final year of the program takes you out of the classroom and provides you with hands-on work experience to enhance your studies. You will be mentored by, and learn from, a professional in your field. Past students have done their internships locally, nationally, and even internationally.
The following Recreation Management program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculties of Health and Management. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Science, Recreation and Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Science, Recreation (Honours) and Bachelor of Management
What you will learn
You'll have a wide variety of courses to choose from as you complete your degrees. In your first year, you'll take a mixture of introductory courses in Management, Economics, Sociology and Social Anthropology, Leisure Studies, and Health and Human Performance.
In subsequent years, the required leisure studies and management courses become more specialized, while opportunities open for other electives. Your courses will provide you with not only the theories of leisure studies and health promotion, but also the business skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage recreation programs and facilities.
Sample courses may include:
Human Growth and Development
Interdisciplinary Management
Electronic Information Management
People and Culture
Leisure Theory
Inclusive Recreation Service Delivery
Organizational Behaviour
Introduction to Marketing
Analysis of Leisure Service Delivery Settings
Leisure Education
Financial Management
Professional Communication Skills
Recreation Entrepreneurship and Special Events
Strategic Management
Recreation Management Internship
Learning experiences, assignments, and courses are designed to help you develop your knowledge and skills for professional work in the recreation sector.
Careers
The demand for professionals in the fields of recreation and leisure is increasing as people, communities and governments prioritize healthier lifestyles. Because you'll graduate with two degrees, you can take advantage of career options in both recreation and management as well as finding positions that combine the two disciplines. Because you are earning two degrees, you will be well positioned to enter the workforce in positions above entry-level.
Opportunities are available in such industries and organizations as municipal recreation agencies, national sport governing bodies, festival and special event management, professional sport organizations, tourism and leisure, and sport marketing.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in business administration or a professional degree such as medicine or law.
