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
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
Minor Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Three required courses: | 12 | |
OUT/RMP 515 | History of Outdoor Pursuits in North America | |
or RMP 511 | Issues of Wilderness and Nature in American Society | |
Select two courses from the following: | ||
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 543 | Winter Adventure Programming | |
OUT 545 | High Angle Rescue | |
OUT 546 | Whitewater Canoeing | |
OUT 547 | Lead Rock Climbing | |
OUT 549 | Wilderness Navigation | |
OUT 681 | Foundations of Adventure Education | |
LAP 500 Level Course | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Following University policy, you must complete 20 semester hours with a grade of C- or better. At the beginning of their final semester, students must complete and submit a Certification of Completion of Minor form to their college dean’s office.
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