Outdoor Recreation Major

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2. Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies
3. Outdoor Recreation

With this major you will focus on different aspects of the outdoor recreation/education field. Outdoor leadership, natural resource recreation management, camp management and environmental and cultural interpretation are designated concentrations in this major.

Careers in Outdoor Recreation

• Outdoor leader in a variety of agencies from Outward Bound, to campus outdoor programs, to camps
• Camp director
• State or national park manager
• Outdoor educator or interpretation specialist with nature centers, parks and other environmental agencies

What Will I Learn?

• Gain confidence in leadership situations
• Knowledge, skill, techniques, policies and procedures related to outdoor recreation activities
• Apply models and theories of adventure, education and leadership

Outdoor Recreation Concentration Options

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Special Features

• Home to the 
  • Inclusive Recreation Resource Center
  • Coalition for Education in the Outdoors
  • New York State Outdoor Education Association

• Direct credit agreement with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
• Outdoor education at Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks
• Nationally and internationally recognized faculty committed to students

“I wanted to be outside. Then I looked into SUNY Cortland and found out I could get
a degree in it. I could major in outside!”
– Nate Farrington, outdoor recreation major

Get involved

College is more than a classroom. Enhance your experience with these opportunities:

• International study
• Capstone internship semester and numerous other experiential learning opportunities

Student Clubs and Activities

• Inclusive Recreation Club
• Outdoor Pursuits

Honor Societies

Rho Phi Lambda

Next Steps