Outdoor Recreation Major

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

  • 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 involvedOutdoor recreation major on rack climbing wall in Student Life Center

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

Honor Societies

Rho Phi Lambda

Next Steps

Contact Us

Office: Professional Studies Building, Room 1212
Phone: 607-753-4941
Fax: 607-753-5982

Fast Facts

  • High employment rate (more than 95 percent) of graduates
  • SUNY Cortland operates the longest-running and most comprehensive recreation program in New York State.
  • The College historically has been one of only three U.S. colleges of universities with national accreditation in all four of its recreation majors.

Type of Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Credit Hours: 121

Excellence

We recognize excellence in our students with awards and scholarships.

See all scholarship opportunities

Related Majors