Outdoor Business and Innovation

Degree

Bachelor of Science with a major in Outdoor Business and Innovation
College of Business (COB)

Contact

Aimee Vlachos, Ed.D., CPRP 
Program Director, Outdoor Business and Innovation 
avlachos@une.edu

 

Mission

Given the strong connection between outdoor recreation activities and Maine’s reputation and identity, outdoor recreation is poised to remain a large and dynamic part of the northern New England economy. Graduates of this program will develop deep level expertise about the industry, its intersection with sustainable community development, environmental policy, and small business management and entrepreneurship. In addition, graduates will leave SWAGÊÓƵ with industry experience through their internships. These skills and experiences will enable program graduates to quickly step into supporting and leadership roles within the industry.

Goals

This program will:

  • Prepare graduates to become leaders in an expanding industry with a growing need for a skilled workforce.
  • Develop graduates to be critical thinkers with an innovative mindset.
  • Develop graduates with an understanding of resilient and sustainable economic development and foundational knowledge of environmental issues and policy.
  • Develop graduates with in-depth knowledge of outdoor recreation industry user needs.

Program Description

This program will prepare graduates for a career in outdoor industries. With a grounding in business and entrepreneurship, students will develop a systems approach to outdoor recreation services and products. The program's course of study emphasizes corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. Students in the program will work closely with industry partners through internships and project-based learning.

Curricular Requirements

CAS Core RequirementsCredits
Total Credits42
Program Required CoursesCredits
BIO 105/105L – Bio I: Ecology/Evolution w/LabCredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
BUAC 201 – Financial Accounting3
BUAC 303 – Managerial Accounting3
BUEC 203 – Macroeconomics3
BUEC 204 – Microeconomics3
BUMG 120 – Innovation through TechnologyCredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
BUMG 200 – Management3
BUMG 301 – Organizational Behavior or BUMG 303 – Management of Non-Profit Organizations or BUMG 313 – Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship3
ENG 110 – English CompositionCredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
ENV 104 – Introduction to Environmental IssuesCredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
ENV 220 – Environment and Society: A Global Perspective3
ENV 344 – Environmental Ethics or BUMG 311 – Business and Society Relations3
MAT 120 – StatisticsCredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
OBI 345 – Sustain & Eco-Rec Planning (formerly ORM 345)3
OBI 350 – Outdoor Entrepreneurship (formerly ORM 350)3
OBI 401 – Seminar in Outdoor Rec Mgmt (capstone) (formerly ORM 401)3
OBI 495 – Outdoor Rec Mgmt Internship w/ approved OBI Focus (formerly ORM 495)6
SLM 250 – Sport and Recreation Finance (formerly SRM 350) or BUFI 315 – Business Finance Concepts and Skills3
Total Credits42
Select two (2) of the following coursesCredits
BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics3
ENG 301 – Nature Films3
ENG 401 – Literatures of the Sea3
ENV 200 – Society, Population, and Environment3
ENV 208 – Climate Change3
ENV 250 – Environmental Policy in Comparative Perspectives3
ENV 317 – Case Studies in Preserving Biodiversity3
ENV 333/333L – The Nature Writers w/Field Lab4
HIS 335 – Environmental History of New England3
MAF 200 – Introduction to Marine Pollution3
Total Credits6–7
Select three (3) of the following coursesCredits
ENV 337 – Outdoor Environmental Education3
EXS 120 – Personal Health & Wellness3
OBI 335 – Outdoor Recreation Planning/Policy (formerly ORM 335)3
OBI 355 – Wilderness First Responder WFR (formerly ORM 355)3
OS 414 – Stress Management (formerly HWOS 414)3
Total Credits9
Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits)Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits120

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply fundamental concepts of management, accounting, and economics to outdoor business and innovation.
  • Apply the product design and development process from market and product research, to ideation, to prototyping and developing finished products for the outdoor activity market.
  • Navigate the relationships between the outdoor recreation industry and local/state/national stakeholders.
  • Integrate issues of economic development, public health and wellness, conservation, and stewardship within the outdoor recreation industry.
  • Apply foundational outdoor recreation skills to build understanding of the user needs within the industry.

Transfer Credit

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Admissions

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Financial Information

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the SWAGÊÓƵ for the 2024–2025 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.

The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 26, 2024.
The SWAGÊÓƵ reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.

While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.