Undergraduate

Outdoor Adventure Recreation

Explore multiple aspects of the field—from historical foundations of recreation to hands-on adventure skills and leadership development.

Degree

Minor

Location

Durham, NH

Courses

Credit

20 hrs.

Full-time

- -

Part-time

- -

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Recreation Management & Policy

The Outdoor Adventure Recreation minor at UNH offers specialized training in wilderness leadership and outdoor program management. Here you'll be able to explore multiple aspects of the field—from historical foundations of recreation to hands-on adventure skills and leadership development.

With a focus on practical experience, outdoor skill-building, and program management, this program enhances majors in education, business, and natural resources. Through comprehensive coursework and experiential learning opportunities, you'll develop the essential skills needed for success in various outdoor industry careers, from wilderness trip leading to recreation-oriented business ownership or park agency management.

Department of Recreation Management & Policy

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Nathan Fitch

Senior Lecturer

Nate.Fitch@unh.edu

New Hampshire Hall, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-2008

WHAT IS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE RECREATION?

Whether you see yourself leading wilderness trips, working in a natural resource or park agency, running a college program or owning a recreation-oriented business, UNH’s outdoor adventure recreation minor will help you hone your skills in the growing outdoor field. You’ll receive a foundation in the history of recreation and leisure in the United States and choose from a variety of hands-on outdoor adventure skill and leadership classes that will set you on an exciting path for the future. Combine this minor with majors such as education, business or natural resources to enhance your career and personal development opportunities.

WHY STUDY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE RECREATION AT UNH?

UNH is ranked as one of Money Magazine’s “10 best colleges for people who love the great outdoors.” And UNH has the academic courses to match. The outdoor industry is growing rapidly in New Hampshire and beyond, and there is no better place for honing your skills experientially than in the state’s towering mountains, scenic coast and waterways or iconic ski areas, all of which are used as learning labs in the outdoor adventure recreation minor.

Potential careers

College outdoor program/wilderness orientation program director
Mountain and ski resort manager
Municipal and commercial recreation director/adventure programmer
Nonprofit organization director
Outdoor and experiential educator or therapist
Outdoor business owner
Recreation and wilderness program leader
State or national park manager
State or national park ranger
Youth program director

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The purpose of the minor in Outdoor Adventure Recreation is to complement major courses of study that prepare students for professional fields that work in outdoor environments across human service, natural resources, educational, or recreation sectors. It will provide an orientation to the technical, risk management, and leadership skills required for personal preparedness and program organization involving backcountry and facilities-based adventure activities. In addition, the minor seeks to improve the standards for fieldwork in professional fields that use the outdoors by offering high-quality training that employs current risk management principles that govern engagement in outdoor activities.

Program Objectives:

Provide the highest quality professional preparation in outdoor technical skills
Surpass national standards so students can pursue certifications if desired
Cultivate life-long learners who are motivated to seek continuous improvement
Improve quality and help to reduce risks across professional fields that depend on a common skillset
Expand participation in outdoor activities both on campus and in public and private sectors
Enhance the experiences of future participants by emphasizing best practices that validate a range of life experiences, identities, and goals

Requirements for the Program

Academic policies related to Minors.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required courses
OUT/RMP 515	History of Outdoor Pursuits in North America	4
or RMP 511	Issues of Wilderness and Nature in American Society
OUT 549	Wilderness Navigation	4
Select one course from the following:		4
OUT 540	Top Rope Rock Climbing
OUT 551	Adventure Programming: Backcountry Based Experience
OUT 552	Adventure Programming: Water Based Experiences
Electives
Select at least 8 credits from the following:		8
RMP 603	New Hampshire Ski Industry Management
RMP 670	Venue Management Design & Operations
RMP 711	Recreation Resource Management
RMP 775	Entrepreneurial and Commercial Recreation
RMP 776	Human Dimensions of Natural Environments
OUT 539	Artificial Climbing Wall Management
OUT 542	Sea Kayaking
OUT 545	High Angle Rescue
OUT 546	Whitewater Canoeing
OUT 547	Lead Rock Climbing
OUT 681	Foundations of Adventure Education
LAP 514	Lifetime Activity Program: Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
OUT 686	Wilderness Emergency Medical Care
LAP 500 Level Course
Total Credits		20