The Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation Economy degree puts you in control of your education. Offered entirely online, it consists of three stackable certificates–each worth 10 credit hours–for a total of 30 credit hours.

If you have any questions about the degree, please contact us at oreinfo@colorado.edu.

Looking for a residential graduate experience at CU Boulder? Explore our Master’s of the Environment, Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry Specialization.

This program explores four central areas of the outdoor recreation business and how they intersect:

  • Outdoor recreation business and leadership: The manufacturers, retailers, tour operators and guides who facilitate the public’s enjoyment of open spaces and who can motivate consumer spending toward sustainability and public lands stewardship.
  • Public lands policy: The policies and regulations that govern access and sustainable use and that are crucial to the appropriate use, conservation and enjoyment of public lands.
  • Resilient communities: The communities that leverage natural resources to enhance or create new recreation economies. They face a variety of challenges, including competition and stressed infrastructure, but also the opportunity to diversify, showcase their culture and grow.
  • Inclusivity: The best practices for developing a more welcoming and inclusive outdoor recreation economy and expanding access to the outdoors to everyone.

Graduate Degree Structure

The Master’s in Outdoor Recreation Economy is designed to provide you with ultimate flexibility in how and when you complete the degree. Finish a certificate as you are able and stack them over time to earn the degree.

Degree (30 credits)

Required Certificate

Introduction to Outdoor Recreation Economy
(10 credits)

Certificate 2

(10 credits)

Certificate 3

(10 credits)

Choose two of the following certificates to complete your degree:

All graduate students in the program are required to complete the required certificate, which provides foundational knowledge in the areas of policy, sustainability and economic development. While it is not mandatory, we strongly recommend graduate students complete this required certificate first because the background and skills gained in that certificate will prepare you for subsequent coursework in two other specialized certificates of your choosing. You must complete the project course for the required certificate before completing the project courses for other certificates in the program.

If you are interested in completing more than the three stackable certificates required for the Master’s in Outdoor Recreation Economy, you are welcome to enroll in as many as you like; however, you will not earn a second graduate degree as a result. You will earn the graduate degree and additional individual graduate certificates.

If you have any questions about the degree, please contact us at oreinfo@colorado.edu.

Looking for a residential graduate experience at CU Boulder? Explore our Master’s of the Environment, Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry Specialization.