Recreation and Outdoor Education; MBA

At Western Colorado University, we don’t just study the outdoors—we live it. With our BA in Recreation and Outdoor Education combined with the Outdoor Industry Master of Business Administration (OIMBA), you can turn your love for adventure, sustainability and leadership into a career—earning both degrees in a faster timeline.

This accelerated program is the first of its kind in the nation, designed to give you the hands-on experience of a top-tier outdoor education program along with the executive-level business skills needed to thrive in one of Colorado’s fastest-growing economic sectors. You’ll start by building a strong foundation in outdoor leadership, experiential education, stewardship and program management through your undergraduate coursework. Then, you’ll transition directly into your MBA—focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of the outdoor industry.

To tailor your learning, choose between two specialized MBA tracks: the Product Concentration, which explores sustainable product development and global supply chains, or the Service Concentration, which dives into resort and recreation management. You’ll also work directly with outdoor industry companies, gaining real-world experience and expanding your professional network—often leading to full-time job opportunities after graduation.

By the time you complete the program, you’ll be ready to lead innovative, environmentally conscious organizations in the outdoor space—backed by a deep understanding of both recreation and business.