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