Recreation and Outdoor Education

WCU Program: Recreation & Outdoor Education

Part of: Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department

Offered as: Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Part of: Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department

Offered as: Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Recreation & Outdoor Education (ROE) is about creating opportunities for people to live healthy, engaged and happy lives. In the program, you’ll acquire the managerial, technical, interpersonal and leadership skills, required of a successful professional in the billion-dollar outdoor industry. Located in the magnificent Gunnison Valley, Western’s ROE program combines a tightknit classroom environment with world-class field experiences for students to turn their passion for the outdoors into rewarding careers with organizations like Outward Bound, Adaptive Sports, Yosemite Institute, IntraWest Ski Resorts, The Eleven adventure destinations, the National Outdoor Leadership School, local Parks & Recreation, State Parks, and the National Park Service.

Recreation and Outdoor Education Requirements

A minor complements your major by allowing you to explore a secondary field of interest. It requires fewer courses than a major, making it a flexible way to broaden your knowledge, diversify your skills, or pursue a personal passion alongside your primary area of study.

Program Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Education and Public Speaking
Leadership Development
Leave No Trace Principles
Outdoor Leadership
Outdoor Risk Assessment
Program Development & Evaluation

Adventure Program Coordinator
Adventure Therapy Guide
Environmental Consultant
Outdoor Educator
Outdoor Guide and Facilitator
Park Ranger/Naturalist
Youth Program Coordinator

Latest News

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Western professor, students show us we can do more with less We get an added month of longevity for each workout, which is pretty remarkable…
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“We are thrilled to give our students this unique opportunity to support career progress” GUNNISON, Colorado: Western Colorado University is pleased to announce a new…
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Western Hosts West African Dance and Drummers

Mark Gibson, a Western Recreation and Outdoor Education professor, used his Alternative Programming Class to invite the Kissidugu Foundation to Western Colorado University’s campus. The…
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Clinical Trial Adds Rigor to Exercise and Sports Science

To finish her PhD., Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) major Erin Smith decided to go above and beyond with her research requirement. For her research…
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