Recreation, Sport & Tourism, Bachelor of Arts

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's degree
Duration: 

1 year at RDC - 3 years at the U of A

Delivery: 
Main campus
Program Cost Estimates: 
Program Cost Estimates

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Sharon Hamilton
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca

Department Information

For more information visit Kinesiology & Sport Studies Department.

University Transfer Program

RDC offers one year of transfer to the University of Alberta's Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism.

If you wish to transfer to a university other than the University of Alberta, please check with that university before registering in courses.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

Related Careers

Municipal parks and recreation departments

  • programmers
  • planners
  • facility operators
  • managers
  • administrators

Federal and provincial governments

  • cultural services
  • recreation services
  • parks services

Youth service agencies

  • Boys' and Girls' Clubs
  • Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A.

Institutional recreation

  • hospitals
  • rehabilitation centres
  • seniors' centres
  • correctional centres

Tourism and commercial recreation

Camping and outdoor recreation

The Program

From sport tourism to mountain history, from fitness and active living programs to arts, culture and heritage - recreation, sport, and tourism studies is a broad field of study to help people enjoy recreation and leisure.

Career and Employment Opportunities
  • leisure facility manager
  • recreation organisation leader
  • leisure service provider for special needs groups
  • community-based recreation coodinator or consultant
  • recreation therapist
  • managing sport organisations, sporting events, sport equipment manufacturers and distributors
  • attraction organisers
  • tour operators
  • destinations marketers
Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

1. Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  • ELA 30-1
  • Subject from Group A or C
  • Subject from Group A, B
  • Subject from Group C (Biology 30 recommended)
  • Subject from Group A, C, or Physical Education 30 (5 credit)

OR

2. Mature Student

You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  • English 30 or ELA 30-1
  • Subject from Group A or C

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Program Content
University of Alberta
  • ENGL 219/220 Essay Composition and Critical Reading/Literary Analysis
  • KNSS 204 Introduction to Sociocultural Foundations of Physical Education, Leisure and Sport
  • KNSS 205 History of Sport
  • KNSS 210 Fitness and Wellness Theory and Practice
  • KNSS 240 Adapted Physical Education
  • KNSS 250 Introduction to the Administration of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation Programs
  • KNSS 270 Leadership & Instruction in Physical Activity
  • 2 Art Options - Liberal Arts Foundation Courses
Year 1 Course Descriptions

ENGL 219

Explore university-level essay composition and the skills related to critical reading, interpretation, and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent. NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

KNSS 204

The study of the nature, function and role of play, physical education, recreation, leisure and games as a basis for understanding the sociocultural foundations of sport and how contemporary society organizes and transfers attitudes and skills.

KNSS 205

Development of the Olympic Sport Movement and the history of sport and leisure in Canada from colonial times to present providing a foundational understanding of the historical development of sport. Topics will include the historical effect and changes in professionalization, gender roles, culture, Olympic games structure and socialization in Canadian sport and leisure. Prerequisite: KNSS 204

KNSS 210

An exploration and application of the foundations of health, wellness and fitness from a personal perspective. Theory and practical strategies are used to empower the student in developing a healthy active lifestyle.

KNSS 240

Current trends, theory and practice in adapted physical activity including an overview of possible changes to task, environment and instruction as it relates to individuals with a disability.

KNSS 250

Basic knowledge and skills needed to administer a sport, physical activity, or recreation program.

KNSS 270

Leadership, communication, instructional skills and development are explored on an individual and group basis and applied to a variety of settings and activities.