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Thinking of entering the booming outdoor recreation industry? If you’re a student (or working on a career switch), there’s no better time to jump in. More and more colleges across the US are now offering programs for future adventure industry workers, with the aim of better equipping tomorrow’s makers, retailers, and business owners for success. Latest school to join the list: University of Denver.
DU’s new Leadership in Outdoor Recreation Industry Program offers two postgraduate certificates—one in Outdoor Recreation Industry Business (ORIB) and another in Outdoor Recreation Industry Leadership (ORIL). The ORIB certificate focuses on core business skills such as accounting, finance, and marketing, and is aimed at recent graduates with no or limited business experience. The more advanced ORIL is designed for middle managers who already have some understanding of business (outdoors or elsewhere). Courses for ORIL involve more advanced subjects, such as financial models, supply chain challenges, human resources, and growth management.
Both programs start in the spring, and virtual attendance is an option for those who don’t live in Mile High City.
“We created accessible, specialized programs that will prepare students for the outdoor industry jobs available today, and future careers that will transform the field,” said DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner.
The new program was funded in part through a $3 million grant from the VF Foundation, the charity of Denver-based VF Corporation, parent company of The North Face and Smartwool.
“Denver is an important hub for the outdoor industry, making DU the perfect home for such a program,” said Steve Rendle, CEO of VF Corporation and chairman of the board of The VF Foundation. “Through the Foundation’s targeted scholarship support for underrepresented individuals, combined with DU’s broad offering of business and industry-relevant courses, we hope to spark the next generation of diverse leadership in the outdoor industry.”
With the outdoor economy generating $374 billion in annual consumer spending in the US, it’s no surprise that academic offerings like this are popping up at colleges and universities across the country. Below is a list of other essential programs that cater to businesses getting people out.
Arkansas
Want to start your own business in the outdoor industry? It University of Arkansas‘ The Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the nuances of starting a business through workshops, mentorship, classes, and training at the university’s new Greenhouse business incubator in Bentonville, a destination with a thriving outdoor reputation. Content is created for the unique challenges of running an outdoor business and bringing equipment concepts to life—and most consulting and networking services are free. Already have an outdoor company? GORP’s 12-week Group Program also helps owners expand their concept through workshops, networking and year-round funding.
Arizona
Prescott College has two degree programs for those who want to make a living teaching—but who want to do so outside. The Adventure Education program offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in outdoor education with courses in program administration and leadership, wilderness therapy, and more.
Colorado
Dream of becoming a mountain guide or ski area operator? Department of Adventure Education at Fort Lewis College helping undergraduate students become wilderness therapists, guides, experienced educators, and public land employees. After completing 33 credit hours in math, history, and science, students complete a 57 credit-hour degree with courses such as Wilderness Expeditions, Foundations of Adventure Education, Wilderness First Responder, and Teaching Methods for Adventure Education. Options include Climbing Basics, Swiftwater Rescue, and Advanced Winter Outback Travel. For students focused on the ski industry, the Ski Resort Operations Certificate teaches the ins and outs of mountain and corporate ski resort management.
Earn your MBA with an outdoor emphasis at University of Western Colorado at Gunnison. The Master of Outdoor Industry Business Administration is a two-year program that includes an MBA core as well as specialized tracks for the product or service side of the outdoor industry. The product concentration has specialized courses in sustainable equipment development and material sourcing; supply chain and logistics; and sustainable finance. The service concentration has specialized courses in resort and hospitality management, natural resource regulation, and sales. (Plus, you can explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison when you’re not studying.)
can’t lose, University of Colorado BoulderThe Master’s Program in Outdoor Recreational Economics includes an MS in Outdoor Recreation Economics, with additional graduate-level certificates in topics such as natural resource policy and economic development. The program is completely online, so you can take it from anywhere, although Boulder offers great access to the great outdoors.
Massachusetts
For those who wish to lead outdoor-adventure programs, such as those offered through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound, Greenfield Community CollegeAn Adventure Education Program might provide the perfect training. This program focuses on developing critical, philosophical and technical skills in adventure education. Backcountry travel, rock climbing, paddle sports and Nordic skiing are all areas of focus, and the program’s certification competencies conform to national standards in the adventure industry.
Michigan
Become a professional in the snow sports industry at Gogebic . Community CollegeThe Ski Area Management Programme, where classroom work and practical experience in the school’s Mount Zion ski area prepares students for technical and administrative positions. Local training is followed by internships at ski resorts across the country. Courses include Ski Area Layout, Ski Instruction Fundamentals, and Ski Area Operations/Cost Analysis.
If you are interested in working in public land management—whether at the city, state, or federal level—the Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management Program at Northern Michigan University in Marquette is worth a look. Baccalaureate degree programs teach students professional skills in a variety of outdoor recreation specialties. The program also ensures students meet entry-level requirements from the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA).
montana
Want to become a professional snow goat? Montana State UniversityThe school’s renowned Snow Science program in the Department of Earth Sciences teaches all about snow safety for students seeking careers in the skiing, search and rescue, scouting, and other industries. Intensive courses involve several disciplines, including physics, engineering, hydrology, and statistics, calculus, chemistry, and geomorphology. For graduate students, the Snow and Avalanche Lab combines study and research to help students better understand and predict snow events.
North Carolina
Wilderness Leadership and Experience Education in Brevard College is a bachelor of arts degree concentrating on valuable skills in professional mentoring, rock climbing instruction, and other adventure careers. From keeping customers happy to balancing company budgets, courses prepare students for the business and adventure aspects of making a living in the outdoor industry.
Master’s Program in Experiential and Outdoor Education in University of West Carolina in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is designed for students who want to work as teachers at expedition learning schools, charter schools, community colleges, camps, and more. The two-year program involves week-long online classroom work and in-person weekend classes, making it easier for working students to earn their degree.
Oregon
at Corvallis, Oregon State UniversityThe Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy has a range of certificate and degree programs that focus on all aspects of the industry, from learning how to operate a ski lift to designing environmentally responsible products. For those curious about getting into the great outdoors, Foundations of the Outdoor Recreation Economy is a $400 single course, open to anyone, that provides an overview of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of outdoor businesses. Check out the school’s free outdoor industry module for an overview of what to expect.
For those who already work outdoors, the Masters Program in Sports Product Management at University of Oregon Lundquist . College of Business teaches students how to bring equipment to market, from concept to promotion. On-site and online programs are available to accommodate full-time students and workers.
Utah
For many, the ultimate dream of an outdoor career is realizing a product idea and getting paid for it. Outdoor Product Design & Development Program at Utah State University in Logan is a bachelor of science degree that prepares students to enter the world of gear design and manufacturing. Students may choose to specialize in product line design, development or management after two years of foundational courses.
Washington
Want to work with the public outdoors? Bellingham’s West Washington University offers the Recreation Management and Leadership Program — a bachelor of arts degree applicable to careers in sustainable tourism and community recreation. Guides, camp counseling, wilderness therapy, and park management are just a few of the paths students take after graduation.
West Virginia
West Virginia University Institute of Technology Beckley’s undergraduate Adventure Recreation Management program prepares students for careers in outdoor companies. Certification of guides and instructors in at least one discipline such as rock climbing or rowing is included, and courses center on the basics of business operations. Internships and finals ensure students get plenty of real-world experience under their belt before they graduate.
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