Academics
Graduate Certificate Structure and Course Format
Each standalone graduate certificate in the Outdoor Recreation Economy program follows the same structure:
Four asynchronous subject courses
One synchronous project course
Certificate (10 Credits)
Subject Course (2 Credits)
Subject Course (2 Credits)
Subject Course (2 Credits)
Subject Course (2 Credits)
Project Course (2 Credits)
Asynchronous subject courses allow you to review course content—organized in weekly modules—and complete weekly assignments on your own time throughout the week, however you are expected to complete one module per week. They are offered in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Depending on your schedule, you may choose to take them sequentially or in parallel.
You are not required to complete a thesis, capstone project, portfolio or final exam for any certificate or for the degree itself. However, after completing the four asynchronous subject courses in a certificate, you will participate in a synchronous project course.
Standalone certificate students will complete a 7-week project course for two credits. These courses are available during the summer semester. Graduate degree students will complete a 15-week project course in fall for four credits.
The project course is offered remotely, which means you participate in the course in real time through a video conferencing platform. Project courses give you the opportunity to engage with your peers and instructors in dynamic group discussions and work, as well as to integrate everything you learned from your previous courses.
Minimum Requirements and Time Limits
In order to earn a certificate, you must receive a minimum grade of a C or higher in each course. The cumulative GPA for certificate courses must be 3.0 or higher.
ORE certificate students have two years from when they are admitted and begin coursework to complete all certificate requirements.
Applying Certificate Coursework to the Master’s Degree
If you decide later to complete the Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation Economy, you may apply to the program any time before beginning coursework for your third certificate. If you are considering applying to the master’s program, we recommend that you do not complete the project courses for the certificates that you choose, as you will be required to take the semester-long project course (OREC 5030) that replaces the two seven-week long project courses for standalone certificates. You may apply up to 20 credit hours from your certificate(s) toward the Master’s program. You must be admitted into the degree program before completing further coursework if you wish your 20 credits to count toward your degree, so please plan accordingly.
We encourage you to contact us at OREadmin@colorado.edu to discuss your plans and timelines.
Project Courses
Every Outdoor Recreation Economy student will complete project courses as part of the curriculum, but the duration of and credit amount for those courses will vary for master’s and certificate students.
Master’s Students
Master’s degree students will complete one 7-week project course at the end of the first certificate in the Introduction to the Outdoor Recreation Economy and one 15-week project course at the end of the rest of their coursework in the program. The 7-week project course is worth 2 credit hours and the 15-week project course is worth 4 credit hours. Both project courses are synchronous. The 7-week project courses are offered in the summer and the 16-week project course is offered in the fall.
Certificate Students
Standalone certificate students will complete one 7-week project course at the end of the certificate program. This project course can be taken during the summer semester and is worth two credit hours.
Explore examples of student projects.
If you have questions about the project courses or how to organize your schedule to accommodate them, email us at oreadmin@colorado.edu.