Department of Recreation StudiesAbout

Launch into an exciting career that can impact widespread positive changes in your community! Local governments and non-profit organizations are seeking trained professionals in an array of fields.

Vision

To be the leading academic and experiential learning program in British Columbia for students seeking education in the field of Community Recreation and Culture.

Mission

Our mission is to provide outstanding education to students so that graduates are able to make meaningful contributions to the field of recreation. To this end, the Recreation department works closely with our students, taking a keen interest in their progress during and after their studies at Langara.

Values

Inclusion | Accessibility | Innovation | Excellence | Community | Connection | Education | Leadership

 

What we're known for:

  • Creative and knowledgeable faculty: strong teamwork, diverse expertise, approachable and caring.
  • Student-centred focus: One-on-one support and mentorship, accessible ways of learning through experiential opportunities, and few barriers to application and education.
  • Progressive curriculum: Cutting-edge approaches, unique and diverse, intertwined with industry
  • Connection to industry: Long-standing connections, mutually beneficial relationships, faculty and student research contributions.

Programs

Recreation Leadership

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Kitsilano Beach at sunset. A man plays a guitar on a bench while walkers and bikers pass by in front of him.

Recreation Management

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NEW! Foundations to Innovations in Community Recreation

This micro-credential program is designed specifically for parks and recreation departments seeking to invest in their teams by bringing structured, high-quality professional development and education into their own communities/facilities. This unique program is delivered on-site, in a facility of your choice, for your staff.
Program Info

What our graduates are saying

Jared Hulme - Recreation
Going back to school as a mature student was terrifying, but it ended up being a life-altering experience and was the best decision I ever made.
Jared Hulme, 2021
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Working in the field of recreation has impacted both my life and career by understanding the importance of what recreation can do for people.
Alex Ngai
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By far, I have found that the students from the recreation programs at Langara have the strongest presence in municipal recreation departments.
Chris Siddaway

Student Work

View research, presentations, and projects by Recreation Studies students.
Learn more

Internships in Recreation

Recreation internships provide students with real-world experience while supporting host organizations with fresh energy, knowledge, and skills.
Explore Internships

In summary

We build community

  • With one another, our faculty model community
  • We care about our students and alumni
  • We connect our students to industry and vice versa

We are leaders

  • In curriculum (COIL-VE, decolonizing practises, experiential learning)
  • In industry (applied research projects, presenting at conferences, developing industry leaders)

We are unique

  • We have a unique cross-section, with a focus and expertise on leisure, recreation, tourism and sport
  • We provide the ability for choice in learning (accessibility)
  • We cater to an array of learners, including industry professionals and high school students

FAQ

What careers are available in community recreation?

The British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association has put together an interactive website where you can explore the many career opportunities in recreation, the educational requirements for those careers, and the average salary. Check it out: https://careersrecparks.bcrpa.bc.ca/recreation/ 

How can I learn more about the cost of study and financial aid?
Who should I contact for questions about Admissions?

A Langara Advisor: admissions [at] langara.ca (admissions[at]langara[dot]ca)    

Where can I find the Supplemental Application Form?

Contact

Email
recreation [at] langara.ca