Sustainable Financial Management in the Outdoor Industry Certificate

Mikay Elliot types on a laptop at a picnic table on the UC Patio.

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

Offered as: Certificate

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

Offered as: Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Financial Management in the Outdoor Industry at Western Colorado University helps professionals master the financial skills needed to lead in this growing sector. Students will explore key concepts like sustainable finance, budgeting, and ESG principles, learning how to align financial strategies with environmental and social responsibility.

Through this fully online program, participants will develop the expertise to analyze financial performance, manage risks, and drive responsible decision-making. Graduates are prepared to create innovative financial solutions that support both business success and sustainability.

Two students study together in the Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering.

The Sustainable Financial Management in the Outdoor Industry Certificate is a graduate-level program designed to equip professionals with the skills to lead financially sustainable and responsible organizations in the outdoor industry. This fully online, 9-credit program focuses on the intersection of financial management and sustainability, preparing participants to address the unique challenges of this dynamic sector. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable finance, budgeting, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles, ensuring graduates are well-versed in aligning business success with environmental and social responsibility.

Students in this program gain practical expertise in analyzing financial performance, managing risks, and creating strategic plans that balance economic growth with sustainability. The coursework is tailored specifically to the outdoor industry, providing real-world applications for financial decision-making and fostering an understanding of how to lead organizations with integrity and purpose. This targeted approach ensures graduates are ready to make a meaningful impact in their field.

Designed with working professionals in mind, the program offers a flexible, fully online format that allows participants to advance their careers without pausing their personal or professional commitments. Whether you’re looking to deepen your financial expertise, transition into a leadership role, or enhance your organization’s sustainability efforts, this certificate provides the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s evolving outdoor industry.

Enrolling in the Sustainable Financial Management in the Outdoor Industry graduate certificate program will provide you with essential skills in financial management tailored to the outdoor sector. This nine-credit program covers topics like sustainability accounting, managerial finance, and sustainable investing, giving you the tools to evaluate and guide the financial health of mission-driven outdoor organizations.

Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible online evening classes, so you can continue working while expanding your expertise. After completing the program, you’ll be ready to pursue roles such as Corporate Sustainability Manager, Financial Manager, or Sustainable Investment Analyst—helping shape a more financially resilient and environmentally responsible 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
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

A certificate is a shorter program focusing on a specific field of expertise rather than an entire course of study. It does not result in a degree, but it can be completed alongside your major or as a stand-alone credential. Certificates are a great way to enhance your knowledge, strengthen your resume, and gain practical experience in a particular field.

Program Requirements

Financial Strategy
Impact Measurement
Policy Advocacy
Reporting and Disclosure
Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement

Corporate Sustainability Manager
Financial Manager
Impact Investment Officer
Supply Chain Manager
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainable Investment Analyst

Fellowships, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Outdoor Industry MBA Fellowship Opportunities

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 to the Sustainable Financial Management in the Outdoor Industry Certificate! Please take a moment to review the application requirements and deadlines before accessing the application.

Apply Now