Outdoor Business and Innovation, B.S.
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 UNE 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.
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.
Admissions
See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Transfer Credit
See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Financial Information
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more tuition and fee information, please consult this catalog’s Financial Information section.
Curricular Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Nor'easter Core Requirements | ||
| Nor'easter Core Requirements | 40 | |
| COB Foundation Courses | ||
| BUEC 203 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| BUEC 204 | Microeconomics | 3 |
| BUMG 120 | Innovation through Technology | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Statistics | ||
| Statistics for Life Sciences | ||
| Statistics for Environmental Sciences | ||
| Other COB Foundation Courses | ||
| BUAC 201 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BUFI 315 | Business Finance Concepts and Skills | 3 |
| or SLM 315 | ||
| BUMG 200 | Management | 3 |
| BUMG 495 | Business Internship | 6 |
| BUMG 498 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| BUMK 200 | Marketing | 3 |
| or SLM 225 | Sport Marketing | |
| OBI 370 | Law & Ethics in Sport and Recreation Management | 3 |
| Outdoor Business and Innovation Major Required Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Organizational Behavior | ||
| Management of Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship | ||
| BUMG 311 | Business and Society Relations | 3 |
| or ENV 344 | ||
| ENV 220 | Conservation and Preservation | 3 |
| OBI 345 | Sustain & Eco-Rec Planning | 3 |
| OBI 350 | Outdoor Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| OBI 401 | Seminar in Outdoor Business | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Nature Films | ||
| Literatures of the Sea | ||
| Environment and Society: A Global Perspective | ||
| Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions | ||
| Envir Policy Compar Perspect | ||
| Nature Writers w/ Field Lab and Nature Writers Lab | ||
| Env Hist of New Eng Seminar | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Envir Policy Compar Perspect | ||
| Personal Health And Wellness | ||
| Outdoor Rec Planning/Policy | ||
| Wilderness First Responder WFR | ||
| Stress Management | ||
| Open Elective Courses (Students complete open elective credits as necessary to meet the University’s 120-credit minimum for graduation. The total number of elective credits required will depend on the student’s completed program, core, and other degree requirements.) | 11 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply data-driven technologies and business principles to solve business challenges.
- Evaluate ethical frameworks to make responsible business decisions.
- Demonstrate effective teamwork characterized by professionalism and accountability.
- Present sustainable business solutions that integrate global awareness and social responsibility.
- Apply fundamental management, accounting, and economic concepts to drive innovation in outdoor businesses.
- Design the product development process from market research through prototyping to final product development.
- Navigate relationships between the outdoor recreation industry and local, state, and national stakeholders.
- Integrate issues of economic development, conservation, stewardship, and public health within the outdoor industry.
- Demonstrate foundational outdoor recreation skills to understand user needs and industry demand.