Why study Recreation Management at Dal?

Earn two degrees at once and expand your options

This unique program is offered jointly by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health (School of Health and Human Performance) and the Faculty of Management.  After five years, you’ll graduate with both Bachelor of Science (Recreation) and Bachelor of Management degrees.  You’ll have the business know-how and recreation management skills you’ll need to start an exciting career in the growing recreation and leisure service industry. 

The Recreation Management program is the only Recreation program in Canada to be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT).  The rigorous standards required for accreditation ensure top-quality curriculum and student supports.

Degree overview

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science (Recreation) – BScR; Bachelor of Management – BMgmt
Faculty: Faculty of Health
Department: School of Health and Human Performance
Campus: Studley Campus, Halifax
Program Length: 5 years
Program Start: September


What will I learn?

You’ll have a wide variety of courses to choose from as you complete your degrees.  In your first year, you’ll take a mixture of introductory courses in areas such as Recreation and Leisure Studies, Management, Economics, and Sociology.

In subsequent years, the required Recreation and Management courses become more specialized, and you’ll have the opportunity to choose electives as well.  Some students choose to complete certificates or, through the Management part of the program, majors in areas such as Leadership and Organizations or Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

The 16-week internship, taken during the last semester of the program, takes you out of the classroom and provides you with valuable hands-on experience to enhance your studies and get started on your career path.

Sample courses:

  • Recreation Entrepreneurship and Special Event
  • Introduction to Marketing
  • Ethics and Social Responsibility
  • Financial Management and Fundraising
  • Operations Management
  • Inclusive Recreation Service Delivery


Careers and future study

The demand for professionals in the field of recreation and leisure is increasing as people, communities, and governments prioritize healthier lifestyles.  Because you’ll graduate with two degrees, you can find career options that combine both recreation and management while also having the flexibility to find opportunities that may focus on one or the other.

Opportunities are available in such industries and organizations as:

  • Provincial, national, and international recreation organizations
  • Municipal recreation centres
  • Festival and special event management
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Recreation facility operations management
  • Tourism, leisure, and sport marketing

Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in recreation and leisure studies, business administration, or professional degrees such as law.



Admission requirements

Undergraduate admission requirements vary based on your previous education and your intended program of study at Dalhousie. Learn about our admissions requirements, book a campus tour, or connect with an advisor if you have questions about your eligibility for admission.

View admission requirements



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