Recreation and Leisure Services
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code1202
- Ministry NameRecreation and Leisure Services
- SchoolSchool of Community and Health Studies
- CredentialOntario College Diploma
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- LocationProgress Campus
- Emailcommunitystudiesprogress@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000, ext. 52375
- Technology Requirements
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising Services
The goal of the Recreation and Leisure Services program is to teach students how to improve the quality of life for all citizens by developing healthy communities. The courses in this college diploma program are based on a curriculum that meets the demands of the ever-growing and in-demand recreation and leisure field. Throughout their studies, students will conduct needs assessments, create risk management plans, develop business plans and practice grant proposal writing, and plan and implement recreation programs for people of all ages and abilities. In addition, students will complete 800+ hours of supervised field placement, which helps develop critical practical skills through the integration of classroom learning into real-life situations.
The Program went through a comprehensive review in 2022/2023 and significant updates have been made to the curriculum for fall 2023!
As a Recreation and Leisure graduate, you will be able to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities that respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
- Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
- Analyse, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
- Contribute to the development of fiscally sustainable and responsible recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance and social entrepreneurship.
- Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
- Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation and leisure facilities and settings.
- Promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs, events and services to individuals and groups.
- Apply community development strategies that engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation and leisure services professional.
Global Citizenship and Equity Portfolio
Students in this program will develop a portfolio documenting their engagement with the College's signature global citizenship and equity competencies. For more information on Global Citizenship and Equity, the GC&E Portfolio and the supports available to you, please visit /www.centennialcollege.ca/about-centennial/college-overview/signature-learning-experience.
Program Overview
The goal of the Recreation and Leisure Services program is to teach students how to improve the quality of life for all citizens by developing healthy communities. The courses in this college diploma program are based on a curriculum that meets the demands of the ever-growing and in-demand recreation and leisure field. Throughout their studies, students will conduct needs assessments, create risk management plans, develop business plans and practice grant proposal writing, and plan and implement recreation programs for people of all ages and abilities. In addition, students will complete 800+ hours of supervised field placement, which helps develop critical practical skills through the integration of classroom learning into real-life situations.
The Program went through a comprehensive review in 2022/2023 and significant updates have been made to the curriculum for fall 2023!
As a Recreation and Leisure graduate, you will be able to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities that respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
- Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
- Analyse, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
- Contribute to the development of fiscally sustainable and responsible recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance and social entrepreneurship.
- Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
- Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation and leisure facilities and settings.
- Promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs, events and services to individuals and groups.
- Apply community development strategies that engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation and leisure services professional.
Global Citizenship and Equity Portfolio
Students in this program will develop a portfolio documenting their engagement with the College's signature global citizenship and equity competencies. For more information on Global Citizenship and Equity, the GC&E Portfolio and the supports available to you, please visit /www.centennialcollege.ca/about-centennial/college-overview/signature-learning-experience.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Companies Offering Jobs
Agencies that have hired program graduates include Chartwell Retirement Residences, Ajax Recreation and Culture Department, Bridgepoint Health, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Leisureworld Senior Care, Markham Parks, Recreation and Culture Services, the City of Toronto, Variety Village, Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA.
Program Highlights
- Courses include, but are not limited to:
- Program Planning
- Community Development
- Recreation Management and Marketing
- Inclusive Recreation
- Gerontology
- Child & Youth Development
- Healthy & Active Lifestyles
- Supervised field placements take place in the second semester (two days a week), and in the third and fourth semesters (three days a week). An example of industry partners who have hosted field placements in the past include, but are not limited to: YMCA, Viva Pickering, Bridgepoint Health, Sienna Living, the City of Toronto, the City of Markham, PanAm Games Centre, Variety Village, and Crescent Town Club.
- Students will have the opportunity to participate in supplemental training sessions, such as High Five’s Principles of Healthy Child Development.
- Our program has partnered with Variety Village to run a weekly onsite 4-hour inclusive recreation course in second semester.
- Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) offers two province-wide student awards during its annual educational forum to students in their graduating year. Centennial College Recreation and Leisure Services graduates have captured these prestigious awards for 13 consecutive years (2007 to 2019, 2021).
- Established by the 2011 graduation class, the Sandy Foster Student Award of Merit is awarded annually to one student entering the second year of the Recreation and Leisure Services Program at Centennial College. This award recognizes a student who consistently demonstrates a commitment to their studies and a passion for recreation.
Career Outlook
- Recreation/sport/camp program leaders and instructors
- Recreation/sport/entertainment operators and attendants
- Recreation and sport policy researchers/consultants/program officers
- Recreation/sports/fitness program and service directors
- Customer service and retail agents for recreation/sport/leisure goods and services
- Recreation and leisure services coordinator
- Recreation and Leisure community developer
- Supervisor or recreation and leisure services manager and/or programmer
- Therapeutic recreation activation aide working with vulnerable populations
Education Pathways
Graduates of this Recreation and Leisure Services diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.
Please note each partner has minimum admission requirements to be met in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the partner institution.
| Partner Institution | Degree |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Bachelor of Science in multiple majors | |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services |
| Brock University | Honours Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies |
| Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies (3-year) | |
| Hartpury University | Honours Bachelor of Science - Sport Performance (1 year 'top up' program) |
| Lakehead University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in Amy major |
| Laurentian University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| Nipissing University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| Ontario Tech University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies |
| Honours Bachelor of Commerce (bridge) | |
| Ottawa, University of | Honours Bachelor of Commerce |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation | |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Bachelor Health Administration degree completion |
| Waterloo, University of | Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Stdies |
| Bachelor of Public Health | |
| Bachelor of Health Science | |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple Majors |
| Windsor, University of | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies for CAAT Graduates |
| Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies | |
| York University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in any major |
| Honours Bachelor of Health Studies | |
| Honours Bachelor of Public Administration | |
| Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Social Science in multiple majors |
Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation agreements.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Educational Partners
Qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with select universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow you to apply academic credit towards further study.
The Recreation and Leisure Services program's educational partners are:
- Brock University (7.5 credits can be received towards either a 15-credit or a 20-credit Honours degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies)
- Athabasca University (60 credits can be received toward a 120-credit Bachelor of Professional Arts degree – Human Service major)
- Hartpury College (complete an Honours BSc degree in Sports Studies in one calendar year, three semesters, while living in Hartpury, Gloucestershire, UK)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission
Additional Requirements
- English language proficiency
- Field Placement Requirements
- After admission, but prior to attending their first Field Placement, students must:
- Obtain clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
- Obtain their First Aid & CPR ‘C’
- Provide proof of immunization requirements
- Successfully pass all pre-requisite courses with a minimum of a “C” grade
- All of the above requirements must be in effect for the entire duration of each placement.
For More Information:
Potential students are encouraged to attend our virtual question and answer period at 1:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of June via zoom at: //centennialcollege.zoom.us/j/92904383081?pwd=R2lnclU3UVRYRVQ1Szg5T09zcFowZz09
Meeting ID: 929 0438 3081
Passcode: 973391
Field Placement Requirements
After admission, prior to beginning each field placement, students are required to:
- Obtain clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
- Obtain their First Aid & CPR ‘C’
- Provide proof of immunization requirements
- Successfully pass all pre-requisite courses with a minimum of a “C” grade
- All of the above requirements must be in effect for the entire duration of each placement.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please apply at the Employment Training Centre (Progress Campus). The Better Jobs Ontario Program is a funding initiative for those who have been laid-off and are in need of training. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Domestic applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS). For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2024.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,227.34 | $3,948.34 |
| International | $16,649.00 | $1,715.52 | $18,364.52 |
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements
This program is part of the BringIT initiative, which means students taking it will need to be able to consistently access and use a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the program’s recommended hardware requirements.
Students with Accessibility Needs: If you require accommodations for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs when you select a device for your program. If you want to access disability services, you can make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services, by calling 416-289-5000 ext. 3850, or by email at calcs@centennialcollege.ca.
Want to know more? Check out Frequently Asked Questions for our BringIT Program.
Students from this program will need to have consistent access to the following:
Minimum Recommended Specifications:
- Windows Laptop or Surface Device with:
- Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent processor;
- 8GB or more of RAM;
- 256GB HD, USB port;
- Windows 10 Operating System
- Recommended:
- Built-in Ethernet Port; Audio/Mic combo;
- A Solid State Drive (SSD);
- A laptop with a battery life of 3hrs or better
Minimum Internet Requirement:
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High-speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) with minimum 50mbps download speed is highly recommended.
ClassAPPs 2.0
Students are invited to use Centennial College’s ClassAPPs 2.0, an all-in-one system that lets you use all of the digital tools you need to complete your college courses from the comfort of your own home, at any time, instead of finding the time to head for a computer lab. Any student can use the ClassAPPs 2.0 system with any modern, HTML5 enabled web browser, like Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Just log in to the service with the same ID and password you use to get into a College PC, and you instantly gain access to cloud-based software, and other learning resources.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities which respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
- Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
Elements of Performance - Analyze, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
- Contribute to the development of fiscally sustainable and responsible recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance and social entrepreneurship.
- Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
- Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation and leisure facilities and settings.
- Promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs events and services to individuals and groups.
- Apply community development strategies which engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation and leisure services professional.
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