Outdoor Product Innovation & Management in the Outdoor Industry

Part of:

Outdoor Industry Master of Business Administration, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as:

Certificate

The Outdoor Product Innovation and Management in the Outdoor Industry Graduate Certificate is a focused, 9-credit program for professionals who want to develop and manage more sustainable outdoor products. Offered through Western Colorado University’s Outdoor Industry MBA program, the fully online certificate explores the outdoor product lifecycle through sustainable product development and material sourcing, supply chain and logistics, and sustainable finance.

Students develop practical skills for evaluating materials, managing supply chains and making financially sound decisions that support innovative and environmentally responsible outdoor products.

A student intern puts sensors on a mountain bike wheel

Unlike broader business programs, this certificate hones in on the critical aspects of product innovation, equipping you with the skills to create and manage eco-friendly outdoor products, optimize supply chain operations, and implement financially sound sustainability strategies. Whether you’re an aspiring product manager, logistics expert, or sustainability-focused entrepreneur, this program provides the expertise needed to thrive in a competitive and evolving market.

Designed with working professionals in mind, this program offers flexible course scheduling, allowing you to advance your skills without disrupting your career. The specialized curriculum bridges the gap between innovation and operational efficiency, preparing graduates to tackle the challenges of sustainable product development head-on. By completing this certificate, you’ll gain immediately applicable knowledge that enhances both individual career growth and organizational success. Businesses benefit from employees with cutting-edge skills in sustainability and operations, making this certificate a valuable investment in professional and corporate advancement. Take the next step in driving sustainable innovation in the outdoor industry—position yourself as a leader in the future of outdoor product management.

Enrolling in the Outdoor Product Innovation and Management in the Outdoor Industry graduate certificate program will give you the tools to design, develop, and manage outdoor products with sustainability and innovation at the forefront. This nine-credit, fully online program focuses on areas like product development, material sourcing, and supply chain logistics—helping you bring environmentally responsible products to market.

Created for working professionals, the program offers flexible online classes that fit into your schedule. Whether you’re looking to advance in product design, supply chain management, or sustainability coordination, this certificate prepares you to lead and innovate in the fast-paced, ever-evolving outdoor industry.

The Outdoor Product Innovation and Management Certificate builds specialized skills for professionals involved in developing, sourcing, producing and bringing outdoor products to market. Students can apply their knowledge of sustainable product development, materials, supply chains and financial decision-making across outdoor brands, manufacturers, startups and other product-driven organizations.

This focused training can support careers in product development, product management, sustainable sourcing, supply chain and logistics, sustainability and entrepreneurship within the outdoor industry.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Admission Overview: Admission to any OIMBA certificate program will be based on a comprehensive assessment of academic achievements and relevant work experience. We welcome applicants who demonstrate a keen interest and potential in the outdoor industry, regardless of their specific area of focus. The application process is conducted online and requires the following materials:

Academic Transcripts

Submit official or unofficial transcripts from a regionally accredited university. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to expedite application review; however, official undergraduate transcripts are required for full admission.
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is strongly recommended. Significant work experience may compensate for a lower GPA.
Prospective students with a BA or BS in an unrelated area may be provisionally admitted and required to complete MBA 690: MBA Essentials with a B- or higher.

Cover Letter

Should describe relevant interests, goals, and motivation for pursuing the OIMBA program.
Should demonstrate an interest and involvement in outdoor activities or the outdoor industry, though direct experience in the outdoor industry is not mandatory.

Professional Resume

Should highlight relevant work experience and showcase potential for positions related to the certificate being pursued.
More than three years of outdoor industry work experience is preferred; candidates with less experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Two Letters of Recommendation

Should come from professionals or academics who can attest to the applicant’s potential for success in the OIMBA program. A mix of professional and academic recommendations is beneficial, though not mandatory.

Provisional Admission Policy

Applicants with incomplete credentials or who lack in certain areas may be provisionally admitted to an OIMBA certificate program, subject to the following conditions:

Must demonstrate the ability to manage the graduate course load effectively.
Provisional students may be required to earn a B- or higher in MBA 690: MBA Essentials during the fall semester pre-term.
Progress of provisionally admitted students will be regularly reviewed by the Program Director, with a focus on their ability to meet prescribed criteria and excel in the program.

*Candidates who do not meet the minimum GPA but have significant work experience will be considered.

**Candidates with less than three years of professional experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Apply Now
Program Information

Term	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	3	$1,110	$73.40	$50.00	$7,150.40
Year 1: Spring	6	$1,110	$73.40		$3,550.20
Program Total	9				$10,700.60

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
$63.00 Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee
$6.50 Library Fee
$3.90 IT Services Fee

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
One-Time Matriculation Fee: $50.00. Applies once to new students in their first semester.

Western’s Outdoor Product Innovation and Management in the Outdoor Industry Certificate is a 9-credit graduate credential that can be completed as a stand-alone program. Students develop focused expertise in sustainable outdoor product development, material sourcing, supply chain and logistics, and sustainable finance.

Professionals seeking broader graduate business education and deeper study of product development and management can also explore the Product concentration within Western Colorado University’s Outdoor Industry MBA.

Program Requirements

Fellowships, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Outdoor Industry MBA Fellowships

Western’s MBA program offers fellowships to reduce student tuition, enhance organizational partnerships, elevate the quality of collaborative projects, and improve students’ career competitiveness.

Learn More

Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate students at Western receive financial support from various sources, including personal savings, loans, scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships. Learn more ways to offset these costs through financial aid opportunities.

Learn More

We are so excited about your interest in applying for the Outdoor Product Innovation and Management in the Outdoor Industry Certificate! Please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines before accessing the application.

Apply Now