SNEWS: First University-Based Outdoor Business Program

University programs focused on the outdoor industry are few and far between, but starting this spring, Western Carolina University will offer students one more option.

The four-year university in Cullowhee, North Carolina, announced the launch of its Professional Outdoor Industry certificate program last week. The program, which consists of eight online workshops, offers coursework focused on the business side of the outdoor industry.

“Where there’s need, where there’s value, where we have talent, that’s really how we pursue building a program,” associate director of professional development Jill Thompson said.

The certificate program breaks down into two tracks: Leadership and Management, concentrated on leadership and communication skills, and Small Businesses/Entrepreneurship, focused on brand-making and launching successful startups. The courses are non-credit, but do offer certificates of completion such as continuing education units (CEUs).

Both tracks are situated on the business-leadership side of the outdoor industry, and as such, WCU is mostly tapping existing law and business professors, as well as other faculty, to teach the courses. Helping tailor the courses to the needs of the outdoor industry is Andy Coburn, who currently serves as WCU’s Outdoor Industry Liaison.

Check out the full article from SNEWS here.