WCU Program: Recreation & Outdoor Education

Take your education beyond the classroom—to the rivers, canyons and peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

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

Minor

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.

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

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

General Western Scholarships

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

1

Top Skills

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

2

Career Pathways

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

Latest News

Faculty & Staff

Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Paul Wright Gym 209
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

Mountain Graphic