Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Not everyone dreams of spending their days at a desk, handling paperwork and making business deals. If you're someone who thrives in open spaces, seeks excitement, and values a deep connection with nature, a career in outdoor recreation could be your ideal path. Professionals in this field find opportunities across diverse settings like camps, environmental education initiatives, public parks, and adventure-based programs. While much of your time will be spent outside, you'll also handle organizational tasks such as coordinating activities and overseeing teams. Your work may involve interacting with various groups - from children and adults to community organizations and individuals with special needs. For those who feel most alive in nature and take joy in sharing environmental knowledge, outdoor recreation offers a way to transform that enthusiasm into meaningful work. At CMU, students in outdoor and environmental recreation programs blend academic learning with hands-on experience, equipping them for roles in parks, conservation areas, camping facilities, and nature education initiatives - including positions with national parks or adventure outfitters. The program includes a minor specialization and mandatory internship to develop crucial leadership abilities like project coordination and team management.