What can you do with an outdoor recreation major?

If you loved swimming in a lake or climbing trees as a kid, you can turn those fun memories into a great career. By studying outdoor recreation, you can help others enjoy nature while doing something you’re passionate about.

If you're someone who loves the outdoors, this degree gives you a way to turn your love for nature into a rewarding job.

What is an outdoor recreation major?

An outdoor recreation degree teaches you important skills for many jobs. You’ll learn how to survive in the wilderness, give first aid and teach others about the environment. These skills help you lead outdoor activities and teach others in different settings. You’ll also study topics like ecology, outdoor leadership and planning programs.

Career paths in outdoor recreation

An outdoor recreation degree can lead to many different careers. Here are some exciting options:

Outdoor education

You can teach others about nature and how to take care of the environment. You might lead wilderness trips, work at summer camps or teach at outdoor schools.

Eco-tourism

With tourism causing about 8% of CO2 emissions worldwide, eco-tourism offers a greener option. You might become a tour guide, park ranger or eco-tourism planner, helping people travel in a way that protects the environment.

Adventure therapy

Adventure therapy uses outdoor activities to help people feel better mentally and physically. You could work as a therapist, guiding people through nature-based activities that improve their well-being.

Recreational facility management

You could manage places like national parks, resorts or community centers, making sure these spaces are well-kept and open for everyone to enjoy.

With this degree, you can find a career that fits your interests in outdoor recreation.

Skills you’ll develop

This program helps you develop important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. You’ll learn to make quick decisions, assess risks and manage groups in outdoor settings. For example, if you’re leading an outdoor adventure, you’ll need to think fast to keep everyone safe. You’ll also improve your communication skills, which are important for any job that involves leadership and teamwork.

How to choose the right program

When picking an outdoor recreation program, look at your options carefully. Find programs that offer special tracks like environmental education, adventure leadership or park management. These specializations let you focus on what interests you most.

Look for programs that give you access to natural areas, partner with local parks, or offer fieldwork. Visiting the campus or talking to current students can help you decide if the program is right for you. Make sure the program is accredited, so you know you’re getting a quality education.

Preparing for success

To succeed in this field, you’ll need more than just a degree. Internships are key—they give you hands-on experience and help you make connections. Many programs have strong ties with national parks, outdoor schools, and eco-tourism companies, which can lead to internships and job offers.

It’s also a good idea to build a portfolio. This is a collection of your experiences, projects, and skills that you can show to future employers. Networking is important too—join industry groups, go to conferences, and connect with alumni to grow your professional circle.

The future of outdoor recreation degrees

Trends and innovations

Outdoor recreation is always changing with new trends. Technology, like drones and GPS mapping, is now part of outdoor activities. Programs are teaching these skills to prepare you for today’s challenges.

As more people visit local, state, and national parks, awareness of environmental issues is also growing. This increased interest in the outdoors has created a higher demand for professionals who can protect nature while helping others enjoy it. Whether you're designing eco-friendly facilities or teaching conservation, these skills will prepare you for the jobs of the future.

Outdoor recreation degrees are better than ever

To keep up with these trends, outdoor recreation programs are adding new courses on climate change, renewable energy, and using technology in outdoor settings. This ensures you’ll be ready to tackle modern issues and lead the field forward.

Outdoor recreation is also becoming more accessible. Programs are working to make sure everyone, no matter their abilities, background, or income, can enjoy nature.

From learning important skills to exploring different careers, a degree in outdoor and environmental recreation can give you many job opportunities. If you care about helping people and protecting the planet, this could be the right path for you.

Start by researching programs that fit your goals, connecting with people in the field, and thinking about how you can turn your passion into a career. For more help, consider talking to an admissions rep who can guide you on your next steps to becoming a CMU Chippewa.