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: 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
Thesis Title: The Role of Free Time in the Recovery Process for Individuals with Substance Use Disorder.
Research Summary: To use a qualitative approach that would connect me with individuals in recovery to hear their personal perceptions and experiences of their free time. This would include connecting with individuals in different stages of recovery and those in supported care settings and non-supported care settings to recognize how free time can change throughout the recovery process.
My Graduate School Experience: My Brock graduate experience has allowed me to work closely with my supervisor to deeply understand a topic that has sparked my curiosity and interest for a long time. I have been able to work with other faculty members to deepen my understanding on the research process and connected closely with fellow graduate students to build strong relationships with like-minded people.
Supervisor: Tim O’Connell
Thesis Title: The social benefits of intramural sport and campus recreation.
Research Summary: I am interested in exploring how students’ involvement in intramural sport contributes to their sense of belonging on campus.
My Graduate School Experience: I have received opportunities that have been invaluable to my personal and professional growth. These experiences have shaped my journey, allowing me to develop skills and build meaningful connections within a supportive academic environment.
Supervisor: Scott Forrester, PhD
Thesis Title: Sport participation policy in Canada: An interprovincial comparative analysis
Research Summary: Using a multiple case study approach, document analysis, and comparative policy analysis, I will examine how institutional, political, and cultural factors shape participation strategies across British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. My research will be guided by the institutional logics perspective.
My Graduate School Experience: My graduate school experience has been both rewarding and exciting! The welcoming environment here at Brock has helped me to adjust to campus life and the course content has allowed me to challenge myself. The many supports at Brock have helped me to grow as a student and researcher and I am excited to apply these skills to the remainder of my studies and my research.
Supervisor: Kyle Rich, 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
How is the Niagara region addressing the physical, social, and leisure needs of aging individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
Research summary: My interest in this topic stems from assisting my aging son with a disability live a life of meaning. I intend to understand how the Region incorporates the physical, social and leisure needs of aging individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into community-based programming, and identify any gaps and barriers that exist.
My Brock graduate school experience: Initially, the thought of coming to Brock as a mature graduate was terrifying; however, attending classes and meeting peers made me more comfortable. The experiential learning that I am gaining from labs and seminars has provided opportunities that I didn’t realize existed.
Supervisors: Colleen White, PhD & Maureen Connelly, PhD
Contact Information
Erin Sharpe
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies
Grad Representative
[email protected]
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs