OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES
OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
Pacific Northwest Edition
So, you’re looking for a degree in outdoor leadership?
In a world ruled by technology, more people are turning toward the outdoors for a sense of solace, adventure and stress-relief. In response, the demand for workers in various outdoor careers continues to grow. This need is being increasingly recognized by the higher education system, and many have begun offering programs in outdoor recreation, wilderness therapy, outdoor leadership and more. It’s no surprise that the Northwest has become a popular hub for these programs. With notably picturesque mountains and landscapes, this corner of the country serves as the perfect backdrop for outdoor recreation and education for their facilitators. With so many options, it can be hard to keep all the accredited college and university options sorted. So we did it for you! The following contains a comprehensive list of outdoor recreation degree programs in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana.
“ It can be hard to keep all the accredited college and university options sorted. So we did it for you!”
OREGON
Oregon State University
Location: Corvallis, OR (Main Campus) and Bend, OR (Cascades Campus)
Program(s) Offered:
Bachelor in Outdoor Recreation Management (Corvallis)
BS in Sustainable Tourism Management (Corvallis)
BS in Adventure Leadership Education (Cascades)
BS in Nature, Eco & Adventure Tourism (Cascades)
Cool Factor: OSU’s new College of Forestry is ranked #2 in the WORLD and offers a multitude of outdoor-focused degrees including Forest Engineering and Renewable Materials. Also…. if you haven’t visited Bend, Oregon… do yourself a favor.
Portland State University
Location: Portland, OR
Program(s) Offered:
Professional Certificate in Athletic & Outdoor Product Management Industry
Cool Factor: This certificate comes out much cheaper than a typical degree at only $2,495. Portland is an innovative hub of outdoor behemoths such as KEEN, Columbia and Nike.
Smith Rock State Park – Bend, Oregon
Southern Oregon University
Location: Ashland, OR
Program(s) Offered:
BA/BS in Outdoor Adventure Leadership, MA in Outdoor Adventure and Expedition Leadership, Minor in Outdoor Adventure Leadership
Cool Factor: Ashland is as “Oregonian” as cities come with hosting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival each year and hiding multiple “lithia” water fountains surprising unexpected tourists.
WASHINGTON
Washington State University
Location: Pullman, WA
Program(s) Offered:
Certificate as a Challenge Course Practitioner
Certificate in Backcountry Travel & Leadership
Cool Factor: Two words. Cougar Gold. Do yourself a favor and order some today.
Eastern Washington University
Location: Cheney, WA
Program(s) Offered:
BA in Outdoor Recreation
BA in Recreation and Tourism Management
BA in Therapeutic Recreation
Cool Factor: In addition to a degree, you will obtain other certificates relevant to the outdoor industry, such as the Leave No Trace Trainer, Wilderness First Aid, and Swiftwater Rescue through the American Canoe Association.
Western Washington University
Location: Bellingham, WA
Program(s) Offered:
BA in Recreation Management and Leadership
Concentrations in Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, Community Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation
Cool Factor: WWU boasts being the #1 school in the amount of students that join the Peace Corps after graduation. Oh, and you’re only a stones throw from some of the best skiing/snowboarding in the state.
Evergreen State College
Location: Olympia, WA
Program(s) Offered:
BA in Outdoor Leadership and Education
Cool Factor: Where to start? A beautiful campus on 1000 green acres, Evergreen College is famous for being the “college without grades”.
ALASKA
University of Alaska Southeast
Location: Juneau, AK
Program(s) Offered:
BLA/Minor in Outdoor and Adventure Studies, Certificate in Outdoor Skills and Leadership
Cool Factor: “One bear per square mile”…
Alaska Pacific University
Location: Anchorage, AK
Program(s) Offered:
BA in Outdoor Studies
Concentrations in Tourism, Wilderness Therapy, Snow Science, Land Management, and Outdoor Education
Cool Factor: Outdoor Studies students can choose specialties that include Dog Mushing and Expedition Leadership.
University of Northern British Columbia
Location: Prince George, BC
Program(s) Offered:
BA in Nature-Based Tourism Management
BS in Conservation Science and Practice
Minor in Recreation and Tourism
Cool Factor: One of the most popular courses offered in the Nature-Based Tourism Management is “Indigenous Tourism and Recreation”.
Capilano University
Location: North Vancouver, BC
Program(s) Offered:
Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management
Cool Factor: Cap U’s campus has a unique forest setting and has been said to be one of the most beautiful in the country.
Montana State University – Bozeman, MT
MONTANA
Montana State University
Location: Bozeman, MT
Program(s) Offered:
BS/Minor in Outdoor Adventure Leadership
Cool Factor: MSU just happens to be only 1.5 hours away from Yellowstone National Park.
University of Montana
Location: Missoula, MT
Program(s) Offered:
BS in Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management,
Minor in Wilderness Studies
Post-Secondary Certificate in Northern Rockies Outdoor Leadership
Cool Factor: Made famous by “A River Runs Through It”, Missoula actually is one the best places in the world for blue ribbon fishing.
IDAHO
University of Idaho
Location: Moscow, ID
Program(s) Offered:
BS in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management
Cool Factor: Students have access to a 6,000 square foot Climbing Center on campus.
Idaho State University
Location: Pocatello, ID
Program(s) Offered:
BS in Physical Education, Outdoor Education Emphasis
Minor in Outdoor Education
Cool Factor: ISU has an adaptive component of the Outdoor Rec. Program called the CW HOG (Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group) which offers outdoor activities and classes for people with specific abilities.
Did we miss your school? Let us know! Shoot us an email at info@teamsynergo.com