University Diploma - Recreation and Sport Management (Co-op)

VIU’s Recreation and Sport Management program can help students launch a career in the growing sport, recreation, health and wellness industries. In the program, students learning will benefit from hands-on exploration under the guidance of instructor who care about their success. Students will take their learning deeper with paid internships and small classes, where they will work closely with other students and their instructors on meaningful community projects.

The focus of this diploma program is on the provision of recreation and sport services and products in public, private, and not-for-profit sectors within communities. The program assesses the impact of recreation and sport and the environment in order to plan and develop healthy communities. Features of the program include the provision of applied skills and knowledge, direct leadership experience, a co-operative education model (paid employment), and small class sizes.

This program is offered as a mandatory Co-operative Education format with four academic semesters and two paid Co-op placements.

The program prepares students for career entry; however, students interested in further studies can apply to the third year of VIU’s Bachelor of Tourism Management, Major in Recreation.

The administration of recreation and sport services is a challenging career in this increasingly leisure-oriented society. Dynamic and innovative people are needed to plan, organize, and supervise recreation experiences in a variety of settings. Graduates have found employment in the following areas:

Agencies, such as the Boys’ and Girls’ Club and the YM/YWCA, Sport B.C. • Public Recreation and Sport Management, including parks and recreation departments in municipalities and regional districts, community schools, recreation associations, and public recreation and sport facilities. • Outdoor Recreation, providing camping, wilderness experiences, risk recreation and sport, and environmental education. Parks involvement is also possible. • Commercial Enterprises, such as fitness centres, racquetball complexes, and retail outlets. • Inclusive Leisure, involving the provision of recreation to those with special needs, such as individuals who are disabled and disadvantaged in institutions or in the community. • Tourism, including destination resorts, theme parks, tourist bureaus, and special events and festivals.