Western State Colorado University

What you'll study

Students follow a curriculum that blends general business skills and outdoor-industry specialisms. The program provides two track options:

• Product Track: emphasis on product development, design, and innovation for outdoor gear and related offerings.
• Service Track: emphasis on hospitality, guiding, and recreation management within outdoor and adventure contexts.

Across tracks, the program stresses hands-on learning, industry engagement, sustainable business practices, market research and analysis, creativity, risk management, and strategic planning.

Entry requirements

This program is offered as an accelerated degree for students on the Business Administration undergraduate pathway. After completing undergraduate requirements—including prescribed coursework, General Education, and electives—students become eligible for undergraduate degree conferral. Typically in the fall of their junior year, eligible students must apply to continue into the graduate portion of the accelerated program.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership and product or service roles in the outdoor industry. Career pathways highlighted by the program include adventure travel manager, corporate sustainability manager, environmental conservation manager, outdoor gear product manager, outdoor industry entrepreneur, and outdoor product developer.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships specific to this program. In addition, Western provides merit- and need-based scholarships university-wide; applicants are encouraged to review department and general scholarship opportunities to support their studies.