WCU - Outdoor Industry MBA - Hero

Product – Outdoor Industry

Part of: Outdoor Industry Master of Business Administration, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Outdoor Industry MBA

Related Areas of Study: Service – Outdoor Industry

Part of: Outdoor Industry Master of Business Administration, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Outdoor Industry MBA

Related Areas of Study: Service – Outdoor Industry

Lead the future of outdoor product innovation.

The Outdoor Industry MBA – Product concentration is designed for professionals looking to lead innovation in outdoor product development and management. This track provides a deep dive into sustainable material sourcing, product lifecycle management, and supply chain logistics, ensuring that graduates are equipped to create high-performance products with minimal environmental impact. Through a curriculum focused on real-world applications, students gain the expertise to navigate the complexities of product design, development, and distribution within the outdoor industry.

In addition to product-focused coursework, this concentration emphasizes financial strategies that support long-term sustainability and profitability. By understanding the intersection of business and environmental responsibility, graduates are prepared to drive meaningful change and innovation in the industry. Whether you’re looking to develop new products, optimize supply chains, or implement sustainable business practices, the Product concentration provides the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the evolving outdoor marketplace.

What is OIMBA?
What should I expect?
A rock climber coils rope.

About Our Program

The Outdoor Industry MBA at Western is a graduate program designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in the outdoor industry. This program combines a robust business curriculum with a specialized focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within the outdoor sector. Students gain expertise in areas like sustainable business practices, product development, marketing strategies, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship, all tailored to the outdoor industry’s dynamic landscape.

While the program is primarily online, it also includes three short-term residencies that provide valuable, hands-on learning experiences. These residencies allow students to connect with industry leaders, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Whether you’re looking to advance within your current role or pivot to a new opportunity in the outdoor industry, this MBA equips you with the tools, knowledge, and connections to excel in a field driven by innovation, passion, and a commitment to the environment.

Our two-year program stands out by blending essential MBA core courses with electives tailored to the outdoor industry. You’ll benefit from a curriculum that covers critical areas like sustainability, hospitality management, and natural resource law, all while balancing online evening classes with immersive experiences. 

What to Expect

Expect a rigorous yet flexible learning experience designed to fit your busy lifestyle. You’ll engage in hands-on projects, gain insights from industry leaders, and build a network that will support you throughout your career. Our dedicated faculty will guide you through both theoretical and practical aspects of the industry, preparing you to tackle key issues such as inclusivity, public lands protection, and sustainable practices. Embark on this transformative journey with Western’s Outdoor Industry MBA and equip yourself with the skills to excel in the outdoor industry.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Admissions
Tuition & Costs
Program Requirements

Outdoor Industry MBA Application Requirements

All admission requirements to the MBA Program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with respect to work experience, including managerial experience and leadership roles.

  • BA or BS degree in Business or related program from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Prospective students with a BA or BS in an unrelated area may be provisionally admitted. Provisionally admitted students with this requirement must earn a B- in the fall semester pre-term course MBA 690: MBA Essentials prior to classes starting.
  • Prospective students with a degree in a related area may be provisionally admitted. Provisionally admitted students with this requirement must earn a B- in the fall semester pre-term course MBA 690: MBA Essentials prior to classes starting:
  • Intro to Financial Accounting (lower or upper division)
  • Statistics (lower or upper division)
  • Microeconomics (lower or upper division)
  • Macroeconomics (lower or upper division)
  • Business Finance (upper division)
  • Principles of Marketing (lower or upper division)
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is desirable. Official transcript required.1
  • Greater than three years of outdoor industry work experience.2

1 Those candidates with significant work experience with less than the minimum GPA will be considered.

2 Candidates with less than three years of outdoor industry experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Provisional Admission: If an applicant applies without all of the requirements listed above, they will be reviewed for provisional admission. Students who enter the program with prerequisite deficiencies can make up those deficiencies during the fall semester pre-term prior to their first year. In that case, MBA students will enroll in the required MBA 690 course once accepted to the program. These students will be considered “provisional admits” (this status will be removed once a student has completed the prerequisite).

International Students: See Graduate Academic Catalog section, Criteria for International Admission.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

  • Application Priority Deadlines: February 1, May 1, November 1
  • Applications received after the priority deadlines will be reviewed ongoing
  • Enrollment Deposit Deadlines: March 1 (for early applicants), July 1 for all rolling admissions

*GRE/GMAT/GMAC are NOT required for our program.

All admission requirements to the MBA Program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Ideal applicants will have:

  • More than three years of work experience
  • Applicants with significant work experience and less than the minimum GPA will be considered
  • Those with less than three years of work experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
  • A bachelor’s degree in business-related studies is preferred. Applicants with other academic background will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is desirable
  • Demonstrated preparations for graduate-level courses in business

Provisional Admission: If an applicant applies without all of the requirements listed above, they may be reviewed for provisional acceptance. Students who enter the program without an academic business background must complete the 3-credit MBA 690: MBA Essentials course before the regular OIMBA fall semester begins. Course registration information is provided upon admission to the program.

Outdoor Industry MBA Tuition & Fees

Period Credits Required Tuition Per Credit Fees Per Credit* Flat Fees** Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall 9 $1,110.00 $73.40 $50.00 $10,700.60
Year 1: Spring 9 $1,110.00 $73.40 $10,650.60
Year 2: Fall 9 $1,110.00 $73.40 $10,650.60
Year 2: Spring 9 $1,110.00 $73.40 $10,650.60
Program Total 36 $42,652.40

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

**Mandatory graduate students flat fees
Flat Fee: $50 one-time new student Matriculation Fee

 

Master of Business Administration

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree. It focuses on a specific area of study and provides specialized knowledge and skills. This differs from a concentration, which is a more focused area within the master’s program. Your concentration determines the specialized courses you take, shaping your expertise in a particular field. To complete a master’s degree, students must fulfill core coursework, elective requirements, and often a final project, thesis, or practicum.

How to Apply

We are so excited about your interest in applying to the Outdoor Industry MBA! Please take a moment to review the application requirements and deadlines and then access the application.

Fellowships, Scholarships & Financial Aid

1

Top Skills

Creativity
Environmental Stewardship
Market Research and Analysis
Risk Management
Strategic Planning
Sustainable Business Practices

2

Career Pathways

Adventure Travel Manager
Corporate Sustainability Manager
Environmental Conservation Manager
Outdoor Gear Product Manager
Outdoor Industry Entrepreneur
Outdoor Product Developer

Faculty & Staff

Outdoor Industry Master of Business Administration

Contact Information

Contact Location

1 Western Way
Borick Business Building 252
Gunnison, CO 81231

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