MA in Applied Health Sciences
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies offers two specializations within the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences two-year Master of Arts degree. The specializations provide students with intensive research training and the fundamental educational background skills necessary to critically examine and become leaders in the field of recreation and leisure.
Leisure, Health & Wellbeing
Students learn about how the intersections of leisure, health, and wellbeing can influence individuals and communities.
Recreation, Sport & Community
Students investigate the relationships between sport, recreation, and concepts associated with units of social organization in communities (e.g., structures, institutions, relationships, organizations).
MA Student Experience
Thesis title: Swinging toward intentionality: Exploring the process of life skills development in seasonal camp staff at a sport-based PYD camp
Research summary: Summer sport camps promote physical activity and positive development. Literature focuses on the developmental outcomes of youth camp participants; less is known about the process of life skill development in seasonal camp staff. Recognizing this process is crucial for understanding the camp environment and its role in fostering staff growth.
My graduate experience at Brock has encouraged me to be a better critical thinker and writer, which I have applied in my courses and research opportunities. With the guidance of my supervisor and the collaborative environment of my lab, I have gained valuable insights and skills that are vital for my academic and professional journey.
Supervisor: Corliss Bean, PhD, CE
Thesis title: Needs versus Wants: Understanding the Recreation Realities of Women Experiencing Poverty in Niagara
Research summary: Food and shelter are ‘needs’, while recreation is often categorized as a ‘want’. How can recreation be prioritized when ‘needs’ aren’t sufficiently met? My research seeks to understand how recreation is situated in relation to other priorities in the lives of women experiencing poverty to establish a ‘need’ for recreation.
My Brock graduate school experience: I have gained countless invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, social connection, and personal growth! While graduate school can be challenging, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (especially the RECL department) has created an extremely supportive environment in which student success and wellbeing is the priority.
Supervisor: Erin Sharpe, PhD
Thesis Title: Sport Policy Implementation in Prince Edward Island: A Case Study
Research Summary: With increasing government involvement in sport, policy plays a vital role in developing and governing sport in Canada. My research examines the implementation of sport policy in PEI. It analyzes the institutional pressures created by provincial policies and the unique geographical and environmental factors that affect sport policy in PEI.
My Graduate School Experience: at Brock has elevated my academic capacity greatly. Most importantly, being a graduate student at Brock has enabled me to learn about myself and discover learning skills that I have been able to weave into my research. Having support from my supervisor, classmates and professors has helped me navigate through graduate student life. Being a graduate student at Brock has allowed me to improve as a learner and as a mentor within the Brock community.
Supervisor: Kyle Rich, PhD
Thesis Title: PAL With (and Beyond) Limits: Exploring Mothers of Autistic Children’ Lived Experiences Engaging in Physically Active Leisure (PAL)
Research Summary: Explore the experiences of mothers of autistic children who currently engage in physically active leisure (PAL) and its impact on their well-being. Research findings demonstrated the resilience of these mothers in confronting barriers to their PAL, its significance to them, and its benefits for their well-being.
My Graduate School Experience: My experience as an international graduate student at Brock was transformative! Engaging with diverse perspectives, conducting research, and collaborating with brilliant minds and a supportive academic community have enriched my academic journey, equipped me with invaluable skills, broadened my horizons, and enriched my professional and personal growth.
Supervisor: Alisa Grigorovich, PhD
Thesis Title: The Acculturation Experiences of Newcomer Healthcare Workers in Rural Canada: A Case Study
Research Summary: Explore the acculturation experiences of newcomer healthcare workers in a rural town, highlighting the importance of community support and inclusive workplace policies. Utilizing Berry’s acculturation theory, it examines how mutual adaptation between newcomers and host communities facilitates adaptation and identifies challenges such as acculturative stress.
My Graduate School Experience: Studying at Brock has been a rewarding journey. The hands-on learning, supportive professors, and tight-knit community have made my time here unforgettable. I’ve grown both academically and personally, and the friendships and connections I’ve made will last a lifetime.
Supervisor: Kyle Rich, PhD
Thesis Title: Prospects of the Good Lives Model: An Exploration of its Applicability in Guiding Therapeutic Recreation Services in Forensic Psychiatry
Research Summary: Forensic psychiatry programs (FPP) provide individuals with a mental illness who have come into contact with the law, the opportunity for rehabilitation, recovery, and community reintegration. My research will explore how recreation therapists in FPPs perceive the potential use of a strengths-based and person-centered model in guiding therapeutic recreation services.
My Graduate School Experience: From the opportunities I have experienced, and the skills that I have gained, I have been able to grow both personally and professionally during my time as a graduate student. The relationships with my supervisor, professors, and peers have allowed me to feel supportive during this challenging yet rewarding experience.
Supervisor: Pei-Chun Hsieh, PhD
PhD in Applied Health Sciences
The PhD program is centered in the development of knowledge through the systematic evaluation of evidence related to the health and well-being of individuals and groups. The program’s overall goals are to develop well-trained individuals who think creatively, are able to evaluate critically (both their own work and that of others), and are capable of conducting research and scholarship at the forefront of their chosen field. Students have the opportunity to participate in an individualized program of study, including mentorship-style learning and concentrated inquiry in an area of interest.
Doctoral Student Experience
MentHERship: A Phenomenological Analysis of Mentorship for Self-Identifying Girl Athletes
Research Summary: My research looks at the relationship between mentorship and the healthy development of girls and women in sport. Specifically, I am interested in mentorship’s role in the positive youth development of girl athletes and how mentorship can be used to enhance life skills in sport and physical activity-based contexts.
My Graduate School Experience: My graduate school experience at Brock has opened numerous doors for me as a young professional. The close-knit community provides ample opportunities for graduate students to build positive relationships with other students and faculty, engage in relevant professional development offerings, and develop a passion for research and applied practice.
Supervisor: Corliss Bean, PhD
Contact Information
Tim O’Connell
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies
Chair and Grad Representative
toconnell@brocku.ca
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs