An ROE land-based class in single-file backpacks up a flat mountain meadow with the Castles and West Elk Peaks in the background.
Recreation & Outdoor Education

Learn by Leading, Teaching, and Exploring

Experience That Prepares You to Lead

Western Colorado University’s ROE program offers a comprehensive, hands-on education designed for those passionate about outdoor leadership, environmental education, and recreation. With a focus on experiential learning, students engage in real-world applications, preparing them for careers in various outdoor sectors.

Clara Lantz smiles as she skins up Snodgrass Mountain. Frosty mountains are seen behind her.

Hands-On Learning

In Western’s Recreation & Outdoor Education (ROE) program, you’ll go beyond the classroom—learning through exploration, experience, and real-world connection. Every student gains a strong foundation in leadership, teaching, and technical outdoor skills, while hands-on courses and internships turn theory into practice.

You can shape your degree around your goals by choosing an emphasis in Outdoor Leadership, Outdoor Environmental Education, or Recreation. Each path offers unique opportunities to work directly with people, places, and organizations in the Gunnison Valley and beyond, preparing you to inspire others and make a lasting impact in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

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Recreation

In the Recreation emphasis, you’ll learn how to design and manage programs that bring people together through outdoor and community experiences. In your 240 Alternative Programming course, you’ll volunteer at a large festival, gaining hands-on experience in event management and learning how accessibility is built into every aspect of the event.

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Outdoor Leadership

In the Outdoor Leadership emphasis, you’ll build the skills to lead, teach, and inspire in outdoor settings. Through experiences like the Mill Creek Summit program, you’ll head into a nearby recreation area with 7th graders from Gunnison to explore healthy watersheds. You’ll also observe and connect with Forest Service professionals in action, seeing how they engage students and model effective outdoor education.

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Outdoor Environment

In the Outdoor Environmental Education emphasis, you’ll learn how to connect people with the natural world through immersive, environmental-based learning. During the Advanced Expeditions course, you’ll put your skills into practice on international trips to destinations like Nepal or Croatia, gaining real-world experience in expedition planning, leadership, and cultural exchange.

WCU Marketing and Branding in the Outdoor Industry

Internships

All ROE students complete a hands-on internship that builds professional experience and industry connections. Past placements have included the Adaptive Sports Center, National Parks, NOLS, and other leading outdoor and recreation organizations—helping students turn their passion for the outdoors into a career.

Real-World Experience

Hands-on learning is at the heart of Western’s Recreation & Outdoor Education (ROE) program. Whether you’re leading 7th graders in the field, volunteering at major community events, or exploring the mountains of Nepal, you’ll gain the kind of experience that sets you apart in the outdoor industry.

ROE students develop leadership, teaching, and technical skills through immersive courses, fieldwork, and internships with partners like the Adaptive Sports Center, National Parks, and NOLS. These opportunities help you build confidence, adaptability, and a professional network, while creating real achievements to highlight on your resume.

Here are just a few of the real-world benefits:

  • Building a strong professional resume with hands-on experience

  • Gaining leadership and teamwork skills in outdoor and community settings

  • Learning from professionals in recreation, education, and environmental fields

  • Applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in the outdoors

  • Creating a network of industry connections before graduation

A exercise and sport science student assists two community members in a fitness exercise.

Experience wellness in action.

The best way to get to know Western—and our Recreation and Exercise & Sport Science programs—is to see them in action. Schedule a campus visit, tour our wellness and training facilities, and meet with a professor from the program. You’ll experience the supportive, hands-on environment where future health and wellness leaders are made.

Plan a Visit