Test Page
Shaping the Future of Outdoor Recreation through Global Leadership and Real-World Action
As director of the Outdoor Recreation Economy program, I’m proud to lead an initiative that is redefining how we think about the intersection of economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Our mission is rooted in a deep commitment to cultivating inclusive and sustainable outdoor recreation economies—ones that are resilient, forward-looking, and grounded in real-world impact.
At the heart of our program is a belief in the power of purpose-driven leadership. We work to bring together students, industry professionals, and thought leaders from around the globe to co-create solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities and planet. Through a curriculum that emphasizes applied learning, we equip our students with the practical skills, critical thinking, and global perspective needed to lead in this rapidly evolving field.
We’re not just teaching theory—we’re helping students turn bold ideas into tangible action. Whether it’s developing scalable innovations, facilitating cross-sector collaborations, or designing sustainable business models, our graduates are empowered to make meaningful change in their organizations and communities. They leave our program prepared not just to participate in the outdoor recreation economy, but to shape it.
This work is deeply collaborative. We value diverse perspectives and actively seek out voices from across the world—because we know the challenges we face are global, and the solutions must be too. Through international partnerships, dialogue, and shared learning, we are building a vibrant, interconnected community that spans borders and sectors.
Ultimately, our purpose is simple but powerful: to empower individuals to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and act with impact. The Outdoor Recreation Economy program is more than an academic experience—it’s a movement toward a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for outdoor recreation and the people who depend on it.
— Mark Gasta, Director, Outdoor Recreation Economy Program
Course Pathways
Our program offers different course pathways that allow you to gain specialized knowledge and skills to achieve specific learning or career goals whether you are on the path to completing your degree or are a non-degree student with discrete educational objectives.
Full course descriptions are provided above.
Pathway to an Introduction to Computer Science
This introductory pathway is ideal if you seek a comprehensive foundation in both computational thinking and key interdisciplinary areas.
Courses
Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
Get an introduction to fundamental programming concepts and problem-solving strategies, offering a solid entry point into the field of computer science.
Discrete Structures
Deepen your understanding of essential mathematical principles, such as logic and combinatorics, which underpin many areas of computer science.
Cognitive Science
Explore the intersection of computing and human cognition, which will give you insight into how computers can simulate thought processes.
Information Visualization
Gain skills to visually represent complex data, a critical skill for communicating technical information effectively.
Pathway to Internship
This pathway gives you foundational skills and practical knowledge necessary to be competitive for internships in the technology industry.
Courses
Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
Focus on building a strong computational foundation by learning the basics of programming and problem-solving.
Computer Science 2: Data Structures
Deepens your knowledge with essential data structures, enabling efficient algorithmic thinking.
Computer Systems
Get an introduction to the underlying hardware and low-level processes that support software applications, providing a comprehensive understanding of system-level design.
Software Development Methods and Tools
Learn best practices in software engineering, including version control, testing, and project management, preparing students for collaborative, real-world development environments.
Pathway to Graduate School in Computer Science
This pathway will prepare you to pursue advanced academic studies in computer science by providing the theoretical and practical foundation needed for success in graduate programs.
Courses:
Discrete Structures
Get an introduction to the mathematical principles underpinning computer science, such as logic, set theory, and combinatorics, which are crucial for understanding advanced concepts.
Computer Science 2: Data Structures
Build on knowledge gained in Discrete Structures course by learning how to efficiently manage and manipulate data, a core skill for graduate-level research.
Computer Systems
Gain an understanding of how hardware and software interact, bridging the gap between low-level systems and high-level computing processes.
Design & Analysis of Algorithms
Learn advanced algorithmic techniques and problem-solving strategies, which will prepare you for the rigorous analytical and research demands of graduate school.
Pathway to Data Science Skills
This pathway gives you foundational knowledge in data science and provides analytical and computational challenges in case you are interested in advanced studies in data science.
Courses
Discrete Structures
Gain foundational knowledge by working with fundamental mathematical concepts like logic and combinatorics, essential for algorithm design and data analysis.
Linear Algebra
Learn the mathematical tools necessary to work with large datasets, vectors, and matrices, which are critical for machine learning and statistical modeling.
Introduction to Data Science with Probability and Statistics
Learn core statistical methods and probability theory, which form the basis for data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics.
Data Mining
Learn how to extract valuable insights from large datasets using sophisticated techniques, setting them up for success in the research-heavy environment of data science graduate programs.
Pathway to Artificial Intelligence Skills
This pathway gives you foundational knowledge and specialized skills necessary for research, development and practical applications or further study in Artificial Intelligence.
Courses
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Gain a broad overview of AI concepts, from problem-solving techniques to knowledge representation and search algorithms.
Natural Language Processing
Explore the groundbreaking technologies that have revolutionized how computers understand and generate human language, providing you with the knowledge to build cutting-edge applications in areas like translation, text generation, and question answering.
Machine Learning
Study how machines can learn from data, which will give you tools and methods for building models and making predictions.
Cognitive Science
Learn how AI bridges with human cognition, offering insights into how humans think and learn, which can inform the design of more intuitive and human-like AI systems.