Turn your passion for recreation and leisure into a career that makes a difference. Gain the skills and experience to create meaningful experiences and stronger communities.

Mission

Faculty and staff in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies are committed to an interdisciplinary approach that combines theory, practical learning, and real-world perspectives, allowing you to explore how recreation and leisure shape individual well- being, strengthen communities, and contribute to a healthier, more inclusive society.

Our Approach

Our programs prepare you to make a meaningful impact in the world of recreation and leisure. You’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue careers in service, leadership, policy, advocacy, and beyond, while gaining the ability to think critically, conduct research, and contribute new ideas to the field.

What sets our programs apart is our strong focus on experiential learning. You’ll have opportunities to take your learning beyond the classroom, tackle real-world challenges, work with organizations and communities, and turn ideas into action. Through hands-on experiences, you’ll discover how theory connects to practice and build the essential skills employers value.

Our curriculum also encourages critical reflection and personal growth. You’ll be challenged to question assumptions, explore diverse perspectives, learn from experience, and develop your own approach to leadership and professional practice. Whether you’re interested in creating inclusive communities, leading organizations, shaping policy, or improving people’s quality of life, you’ll graduate ready to make a
difference.