• Application Deadline: 
    March 1
  • Program Code: 
    391.A0
  • DEC in: 
    Community, Recreation and Leadership Training
  • Program Length: 
    3 years

Join one of the most dynamic programs on campus! Upon graduation, you could enjoy a career promoting well-being for all through positive recreation and community development activities. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through local, national and international fieldwork placements, which develop leadership skills and provide real work experience. Students are part of a close-knit and caring community. CRLT is the only three-year technical program of its kind offered in English in Quebec.

What I love most about my program is that it involves education built upon a value system of kindness, empathy and community.
— Aaron N.

What you will learn?

  • To plan, lead and evaluate a variety of recreational and community-based activities and events
  • To develop leadership skills
  • To work as a team and develop group dynamics skills
  • To plan fundraising events
  • To develop networking, communications and public relations skills
  • To develop entrepreneurship, administrative and human resource management skills

Where will this program lead you?

A DEC in Community Recreation and Leadership Training prepares graduates to work in multiple settings, such as:

  • community centres
  • municipal recreation
  • outdoor recreation
  • hospital and therapeutic recreation
  • school and campus recreation
  • special events companies
  • fitness centres and community recreation associations
  • tourist destinations, resorts and overnight camps
  • ... and many more!

Many CRLT graduates choose to pursue university studies in programs such as Recreation Management, Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Education, Human Resource Management, Kinesiology, Physical Education and Sports Management.

CRLT graduates may receive advanced standing credits from particular universities (e.g. Concordia University) for specific programs, making it possible to complete a degree in only two years.

What else you should know?

  • Students accumulate over 580 hours of practical work experience through three fieldwork placements, which they can choose
  • CRLT is well known for organizing one of Canada’s largest student-driven outdoor education programs. Final-year students lead a camp for 100 first-year and second-year students.
  • The CRLT Department has its own sunny and plant-filled space, which helps foster a positive, supportive, effective and collaborative learning environment. Our common room, program-exclusive computer lab, conference room and multipurpose room help build a strong sense of community. The proximity of the faculty offices to these spaces enables open communication and ongoing support to all of our students
  • All students in the CRLT Program receive First Aid Certification
  • Graduates are eligible to obtain a Peace Studies Certificate and Environment and Sustainability Certificate
  • Students must pass a mandatory police background check in the first semester in order to be placed in a fieldwork setting
  • Make a request to experience life as a CRLT Student-for-a-Day at: crlt@dawsoncollege.qc.ca

What do you need to apply?

  • A Diploma of Secondary Studies (DES) or academic background judged equivalent to the DES
  • Interview

Application Deadline

March 1



Last Modified: November 9, 2023