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Outdoor industry degree introduced at Western State Colorado University

The program acknowledges the $887 billion economic impact measured by Outdoor Industry Association.


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Western State Colorado University joins a handful of other colleges recognizing students’ desire to get a degree that’s useful in the outdoor industry, which generates an estimated $887 billion annually.

The university in Gunnison, Colorado, is offering a new two-year, online MBA program with tracks for either the product or service side of the outdoor recreation economy. The program also includes residencies, immersion experiences, and guest lectures from outdoor industry experts.

“The Outdoor Industry MBA’s clear focus on the business acumen required to lead the outdoor-recreation industry’s multibillion dollar economy is a significant measurement of Western’s and Colorado’s commitment to our talent pipeline,” said Luis Benitez, director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.

The university is looking for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, professional experience in the outdoor industry, and a desire to take their career to the next level.

“Western has always been a feeder school for the outdoor industry,” said Adam Howard, president and CEO of Height of Land Media, publisher of Alpinist, Backcountry and Cross Country Skier magazines. “Given its location and culture around outdoor pursuits, I can’t think of a school more poised to bring this MBA program to fruition.”

Classes begin Sept. 24 of the 2018-19 academic year, pending accreditation approval. Find out more here.