Apr 13, 2017 01:06 PM EDT By Eleanor Bright, UniversityHerald Reporter

Western State Colorado University will offer "Outdoors MBA" in 2018. It is a new master's degree program and one-of-a-kind in the US. "Outdoors MBA" or Masters of Business Administration in outdoor industry was designed to train people to become business leaders in the field of outdoors industry.

Businesses under the outdoors industry are makers of sports equipment, clothes and accessories. Likewise, operators of tennis clubs, golf clubs, sailing clubs, outdoor industry associations representing divers, racers, mountain climbers, skiers, athletes in all fields and many more are also part of it. All these businesses need business leaders who understand outdoor life.

The contribution of the outdoors industry to the nation's economy was not clear. However, by observing who engage in outdoor sports and recreation, one could guess how much enthusiasts spend for their activities. Some guessed several millions but a survey revealed that the industry is contributing $646 billion to the US economy, the Outside Online reported.

Such a huge industry needs business leaders who have deep knowledge and understanding of how the industry operates. This is what Western State Colorado University is aiming for in offering the "Outdoors MBA" course.

 The course aims to provide people engaged in outdoor industry business the opportunity for professional growth. Usual subjects for MBA degree are included plus courses intended for people engaged in outdoors industry business. These special subjects are land management, sustainable practices, retail management, climate regulation, climate policy, and competitive dynamics of the outdoor industry, Gearjunkie reported.

Students need to attend actual classes at the university for five weekends in one year. Most classes will be done online. Students start and end the program with an immersion. Each will be required to submit a capstone relevant to the industry.

For requirements, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and industry experience. Since the program is new, the schools will make use of feedback to improve the program.

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