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Business and leadership. Environmental protection. Resilient communities.
The Outdoor Recreation Economy program at CU Boulder provides learners with a variety of opportunities to expand their knowledge and advance their careers in the outdoor recreation industry. This program’s flexible options allow you to engage in a way that fits both your career goals and your budget. Become an innovative leader, foster sustainable business operations, govern and promote access to public lands or leverage outdoor amenities to grow local, sustainable economies.
This program provides the tools to:
Break into the outdoor recreation industry,
Pivot your career or blaze an entrepreneurial path,
Grow the outdoor recreation economy in your community,
Deepen your professional experience so you can move up in your organization.
The flexibility you need to create the education you want.
The Outdoor Recreation Economy program is designed to meet the needs of professionals with different backgrounds and career objectives.
Fully Online and Remote Coursework
Learn when and where it works for you.
Stackable Certificates
Tailor your education to fit your goals.
Versatile Course Offerings
Designed for a wide range of roles within outdoor recreation.
Set your personal pace.
Double-up on classes or take a semester off.
Educational opportunities to fit every career path.
No matter where you are in your career or where you are located, the Outdoor Recreation Economy program offers several pathways for you to gain knowledge, skills and professional credentials to help you meet your personal and professional goals.
Choose the educational path that best fits your career and interests.
Complete three stackable online certificates for the customized education that matches your goals.
Complete one or more certificates to expand your knowledge of the outdoor recreation economy.
Individual classes, workshops and executive courses.
We offer graduate certificates in:
This certificate lays the foundation for coursework in the other certificates in the Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation Economy degree and explores the interactions between public lands, the communities that sit alongside them and the outdoor recreation industry.
This certificate examines critical and emerging issues in natural resources and public lands management across the United States. Following an overview of major laws and policies relevant to environmental management, this certificate transitions toward a sophisticated discussion of environmental and public land controversies, as well as potential opportunities for resolution. The certificate also explores the role of federal, state, tribal and local governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, various fields of study and the general public in the environmental policy process.
This certificate provides you with a foundation in economic development and community economic development theories, frameworks, processes and best practices, as they relate to the Outdoor Recreation Economy.
This certificate provides the knowledge and tools necessary to better integrate sophisticated leadership, business acumen and sustainability into outdoor recreation industry operations.You are given the theoretical, managerial and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills required for successfully developing, managing and leading outdoor recreation ventures. This certificate is designed to address a growing need within the Outdoor Recreation Economy for graduate-level education focused specifically on the business of the Outdoor Recreation Economy.
This certificate explores issues regarding DEI with a special focus on creating a natural environment where all people can not only feel welcome but encouraged to become active participants as outdoor enthusiasts, industry professionals and stewards dedicated to the protection of the land.
Prepare for the career you want.
CU Boulder’s Outdoor Recreation Economy program is designed to meet the needs of individuals looking to break into or advance their career in the outdoor industry, as well as the organizations that comprise the industry itself.
The coursework is career-relevant and responds to the needs expressed by leaders from outdoor retail companies, non-profit organizations, municipal, state and federal agencies and industry trade groups.
No matter your background, our program offers opportunities for you to update your knowledge and skills to have an immediate impact on your career and community.
CU Boulder leads the field.
The Outdoor Recreation Economy program at CU Boulder is the only completely online graduate program of its kind in the nation. We offer a comprehensive, industry-relevant education taught by recognized leaders in the outdoor and business fields.
The program’s design provides you with the greatest possible flexibility so you can tailor your coursework and schedule to fit your needs and participate in the program no matter where you are located. It also leverages the university’s location in Colorado—and its deep connection with the outdoor recreation economy—to provide students with real-world problems to work on and learn from.