University of Colorado Boulder

The Benefits of CU Boulder

The Outdoor Recreation Economy program at CU Boulder is the only fully online graduate program of its kind in the nation, offering accessibility to learners around the globe. The program’s flexible design allows you to tailor your coursework to your schedule and career goals, participating from any location. You will learn from recognized leaders in the outdoor industry and business sectors while engaging with practical projects and challenges that connect local insights to global perspectives. Leveraging Colorado’s vibrant outdoor recreation industry, the program blends real-world problem-solving with a globally relevant educational experience. Discover how CU Boulder’s Outdoor Recreation Economy program can help you lead the way in creating a more inclusive, sustainable and thriving future for outdoor recreation.

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 and belonging: The best practices for developing a more welcoming and inclusive outdoor recreation economy and expanding access to the outdoors to everyone.