Degrees & Certificates
Western offers two distinct education pathways in Outdoor Recreation.
The Wilderness Skills Certificate is designed for students who wish to enter the workforce directly in roles such as guide, interpreter, educator, manager, or director. This one-year program provides the foundational knowledge and skill set needed to succeed in the outdoor recreation industry.
For students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, the Associate of Science in Outdoor Recreation is tailored for transfer to a four-year institution. This degree supports continued studies in Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Education, Wilderness Therapy, Tourism Management, and related fields. While completing the AS degree, students develop technical and wilderness skills, gain leadership experience, and build confidence leading groups in diverse outdoor environments.
Outdoor Recreation, Associate of Science
This major will allow students to gain the necessary skills to take jobs such as park ranger, park manager, outdoor education instructor, outdoor recreation guide, camp counselor, conservation specialist, and others. The major will support the state’s second-largest industry, tourism and hospitality, on the 18 million acres of public land in Wyoming.
Wilderness Skills Certificate
The Wilderness Skills certificate prepares students for professional opportunities in recreation and education. Students learn technical skills, risk management skills, pedagogy of education, business skills, while obtain nationally recognized certification in both wilderness first aid and leave no trace.