Begin Your Outdoor Adventure on the Coast of Maine
Are you seeking a career that will allow you to combine your love of the outdoors with an interest in business and innovation? Outdoor recreation is poised to remain a large and dynamic part of the U.S. economy. With UNE’s location on the coast of Maine, you will be well situated to start your career in this thriving industry.
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 valuable professional experience through their internships. We will work to match you with leading businesses in the outdoor industry.
Why UNE for Your B.S. in Outdoor Business and Innovation
We worked closely with outdoor professionals and businesses to design and build an experience that will prepare you to succeed in the industry.
- Opportunities for paid internships with global companies and start-ups to give you industry experience
- UNE’s location on the coast of Maine places you in the middle of a thriving community of outdoor business innovators
- Faculty with experience as business owners
- Opportunities for global travel through study abroad and travel courses
- Curriculum designed to prepare you for additional graduate degrees in business
The Outdoor Business and Innovation major has been a valuable opportunity for me to explore the concepts of business while maintaining a focus on the outdoors and environment.”
— Fritz Van Winkle ’26
What will you study? Outdoor Business and Innovation Degree Curriculum Overview
Within this major you will complete foundational business courses, outdoor recreation courses, outdoor industry specialization courses, and environmental courses.
B.S. in Outdoor Business and Innovation Courses
- Outdoor Entrepreneurship
- Sustainability and Eco-Tourism
- Innovation Through Technology
- Conservation and Preservation
- Outdoor Recreation Planning and Management
- Wilderness First Responder
Curriculum
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 42 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIO 105/105L – Bio I: Ecology/Evolution w/Lab | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| BUAC 201 – Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BUAC 303 – Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| BUEC 203 – Macroeconomics | 3 |
| BUEC 204 – Microeconomics | 3 |
| BUMG 120 – Innovation through Technology | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| BUMG 200 – Management | 3 |
| BUMG 301 – Organizational Behavior or BUMG 303 – Management of Non-Profit Organizations or BUMG 313 – Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| ENG 110 – English Composition | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| ENV 104 – Introduction to Environmental Issues | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| ENV 220 – Environment and Society: A Global Perspective | 3 |
| ENV 344 – Environmental Ethics or BUMG 311 – Business and Society Relations | 3 |
| MAT 120 – Statistics | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| OBI 345 – Sustain & Eco-Rec Planning (formerly ORM 345) | 3 |
| OBI 350 – Outdoor Entrepreneurship (formerly ORM 350) | 3 |
| OBI 401 – Seminar in Outdoor Rec Mgmt (capstone) (formerly ORM 401) | 3 |
| OBI 495 – Outdoor Rec Mgmt Internship w/ approved OBI Focus (formerly ORM 495) | 6 |
| SLM 250 – Sport and Recreation Finance (formerly SRM 350) or BUFI 315 – Business Finance Concepts and Skills | 3 |
| Total Credits | 42 |
| Select two (2) of the following courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics | 3 |
| ENG 301 – Nature Films | 3 |
| ENG 401 – Literatures of the Sea | 3 |
| ENV 200 – Society, Population, and Environment | 3 |
| ENV 208 – Climate Change | 3 |
| ENV 250 – Environmental Policy in Comparative Perspectives | 3 |
| ENV 317 – Case Studies in Preserving Biodiversity | 3 |
| ENV 333/333L – The Nature Writers w/Field Lab | 4 |
| HIS 335 – Environmental History of New England | 3 |
| MAF 200 – Introduction to Marine Pollution | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6–7 |
| Select three (3) of the following courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ENV 337 – Outdoor Environmental Education | 3 |
| EXS 120 – Personal Health & Wellness | 3 |
| OBI 335 – Outdoor Recreation Planning/Policy (formerly ORM 335) | 3 |
| OBI 355 – Wilderness First Responder WFR (formerly ORM 355) | 3 |
| OS 414 – Stress Management (formerly HWOS 414) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
For more information view the Academic Catalog.
Career Paths for Outdoor Business and Innovation Majors
Outdoor recreation creates more jobs than computer technology, construction, finance and insurance, transportation and warehousing, food and beverage service, education, and real estate, rentals/leasing industries respectively (OutdoorIndustry.com).
Some professional settings this major will prepare you for include:
- Global outdoor products companies
- Outdoor industry marketing agencies
- Tourism service providers
- Wilderness camps
- Entrepreneurial ventures
- Outdoor recreation centers
- Eco-tourism companies
Be a Part of Maine’s Outdoor Economy
According to The Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR), outdoor recreation made up 3.9% of Maine’s economy — ranking 6th nationwide — in 2022. That year, manufacturing of outdoor recreation equipment generated $271 million, with retail sales contributing close to $850 million. Learn more by watching the MOOR video Maine's Outdoor Recreation Economy in 2022
the percentage by which employment in Maine’s outdoor recreation industry grew from 2021–2022
the amount outdoor recreation contributed to Maine’s state GDP in 2022
Get outside with our Outdoor Business and Innovation program
Explore Inspiring Land and Seascapes
Travel in any direction from our Maine campuses and you will find yourself in an outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland. Whether it’s surfing, kayaking, hiking, skiing, or plain old-fashioned exploring, the areas around UNE offer a plethora of adventures just waiting to be experienced.
On and Near Campus
- 4,000 feet of campus shoreline
- Campus Beach
- UNE’s 363 Acre Forest
- UNE’s Ram Island
- UNE Nature Trail
- Saco River
- Saco Bay/Atlantic Ocean
- The Saco Heath raised peatland (bog)
- Biddeford Pool
- Goose Rocks Beach and other Maine beaches
Around Maine
- Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
- The Wells National Estuarine Research
- White Mountain National Forest
- Acadia National Park
- Downhill and Cross-Country skiing
- Rock climbing
- Ice Climbing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Sailing
- Road and Mountain biking
Office of Innovation
Innovation is integrated in the design of everything we do, and the Office of Innovation is the champion for innovation at UNE. In our Makerspace — a fully equipped laboratory for creating and building — you’ll find graduate and undergraduate students from different disciplines working on projects to bring positive change. As an Outdoor Business and Innovation major, you will use the Makerspace to develop product prototypes that can be used in the Saco River bordering UNE’s Biddeford campus.
Sustainability
The University of New England is deeply committed to sustainability, and we're recognized by The Princeton Review in its Guide to Green Colleges. In fact, environmentalism is an institutional value. Explore how you can get involved in sustainability at UNE, and learn more about how our ways of teaching, living, and building support a healthy environment.
The ability to make connections with business professionals through your professors allows you to get feedback and guidance on what you want to accomplish, which is what makes the major so beneficial. The internships and post-graduate job opportunities allow you to succeed in something meaningful to you.”
— Brendan Curley ’26
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Business and Innovation Program
Hands-on Learning for Outdoor Business and Innovation Students
Outdoor Recreation and Entrepreneurship
Ram Island, UNE’s private one-acre living laboratory right in Saco Bay, and its surrounding waters are home to songbirds, harbor seals, and various intertidal flora and fauna. Outdoor Business and Innovation majors visit Ram Island for a “Survivor” experience, focusing on survival skills and outdoor recreation.
Within a short walk or drive from UNE’s Biddeford Campus, you may explore a variety of unique habitats, including the University’s 363 acres of contiguous forest. The State of Maine Natural Areas Program has labeled the land a “habitat of significant value” due to its high density of pocket swamps and vernal pools. The area contains both uplands and wetlands and is home to many species, including wild turkeys, deer, coyotes, and moose.
Ram Island: Our Own Research Ecosystem
Discover UNE’s 363-acre Forest
Internships for Outdoor Business and Innovation Majors
We offer dynamic internships specifically designed to match your interests with business that matters.
Some of our outdoor partner brands:
- Maine Outdoor Brands
- LL Bean
- Flowfold
- Kennebunkport Conservation Trust
- Portland Trails
- Patagonia
Global Education in the Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Business and Innovation
See the World
Get down to business on the other side of the world by taking part in our Global Education Programs. In addition to our semester abroad programs in Spain, France, Iceland, and at UNE’s own international campus in Morocco, you have the opportunity to take a shorter-term travel course to Iceland.
The Arctic Adventure Tourism course focuses on Arctic marketing, management, and communication relevant to the adventure tourism industry. You will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to design and produce sustainable nature- and culture-based experiences. You travel to Iceland in the spring and participate in activities related to Arctic adventure tourism and meet with local business owners in the field.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.S. in Outdoor Business and Innovation degree program? Get started today.
Outdoor Business and Innovation in the News
Read Coverage of UNE’s Outdoor Business and Innovation Program
Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Business and Innovation FAQ
What is an Outdoor Business and Innovation degree?
An outdoor business and innovation degree prepares graduates for careers in outdoor industries. There is a 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. UNE in Maine offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Outdoor Business and Innovation through its College of Business.
As a program graduate, you will gain in-depth knowledge about the industry, including its connection to sustainable community development, environmental policy, and small business management. Additionally, you will acquire industry experience through internships, preparing you for supporting and leadership roles in the field.
Learn more about UNE’s B.S. in Outdoor Business and Innovation
What can you do with an Outdoor Business and Innovation degree?
An Outdoor Business and Innovation degree allows students to pursue a career that combines their love of the outdoors with an interest in business and innovation. Examples of professional settings that a major in Outdoor Business and Innovation prepares you for include global outdoor products companies, outdoor industry marketing agencies, tourism service providers, wilderness camps, entrepreneurial ventures, outdoor recreation centers, eco-tourism companies.
Outdoor recreation is set to continue as a significant and vibrant component of the U.S. economy. UNE's coastal location in Maine positions graduates with Outdoor Business and Innovation degrees to embark on fulfilling careers in this flourishing industry. Students can also benefit from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have specific career goals or general field interests.
How much money do Outdoor Business and Innovation majors make?
Outdoor Business and Innovation majors hold business degrees. As of November 2023, individuals with a business degree have a median annual wage of $69,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Your salary, whether in the early stages or at a senior level, depends on several factors including specialization, years of experience, location, work environment and job performance.
It’s also worth mentioning that according to the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor recreation economy, fueled by $887 billion in annual consumer spending, directly sustains 7.6 million jobs in America and generates $125 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.
What skills do Outdoor Business and Innovation majors learn while in school?
Some of the things Outdoor Business and Innovations majors will study at UNE in Maine include:
- Learning the basics of management, accounting, and economics as they relate to outdoor business and innovation.
- Understanding the product design and development process, from market research to prototyping for the outdoor activity market.
- Exploring the connections between the outdoor recreation industry and local/state/national stakeholders.
- Integrating economic development, public health, conservation, and stewardship into the outdoor recreation industry.
- Developing foundational outdoor recreation skills to understand user needs in the industry.
Students will also gain industry experience through their internships. These skills and experiences will enable program graduates to quickly step into supporting and leadership roles within the outdoor recreation industry.
Learn more about UNE’s B.S. in Outdoor Business and Innovation
What is the best Outdoor Business and Innovation degree for me?
To evaluate whether a business school and its programs fits your needs, start by looking at these important criteria. This list below can help you choose which outdoor business and innovation degree program is best for you.
Faculty
Look for professors in Outdoor Business and Innovation whose knowledge matches your interests. Check that their research and professional experiences match what you're looking for.
UNE’s School of Business faculty have experience as business owners. Within this major they teach foundational business courses, outdoor recreation courses, outdoor industry specialization courses, and environmental courses.
Meet faculty and professional staff in UNE's College of Business
Curriculum
Assess the outdoor business and innovation program to match your preferences, exploring aspects like management, marketing, finance, and related subjects, along with opportunities for internships in outdoor business and recreation.
UNE’s curriculum is designed to prepare you for additional graduate degrees in business. We partnered with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation (OOR) for an advisory role in curriculum development. Within this major you will complete foundational business courses, outdoor recreation courses, outdoor industry specialization courses, and environmental courses. Examples of available courses include:
- Outdoor Entrepreneurship
- Sustainability and Eco-Tourism
- Innovation Through Technology
- Conservation and Preservation
- Outdoor Recreation Planning and Management
- Wilderness First Responder
We place a strong emphasis on experiential, hands-on learning centered on outdoor recreation and entrepreneurship. There are plenty of paid internship opportunities for UNE students with global companies and start-ups to give you industry experience.
Learn more about UNE’s outdoor business and innovation curriculum
Career goals
Choose an outdoor business and innovation program that aligns with your career aspirations and goals. Explore the available resources to help you plan your path forward.
Maine's outdoor recreation, a nearly $3 billion contributor to the state's economy, constitutes 4.9% of all jobs. Recognizing the sector's growth, UNE sees the need for skilled professionals in this thriving industry.
Along the southern coast of Maine, UNE offers dynamic internships specifically designed to match your interests with business that matters. Some of our outdoor partner brands include Maine Outdoor Brands, LL Bean, Flowfold, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Portland Trails, and Patagonia.
Based on our surveys from 2016 to 2022, 95% of UNE undergraduates are either employed or furthering their education, including MBA programs, within a year of graduation. In 2022, Zippia ranked UNE as the leading university in Maine for job placement. Students can also receive guidance from the Academic and Career Advising Center, whether they have a specific career path in mind or a general interest in a field.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Learning environment
Evaluate the location and atmosphere that aligns most with your business school experience, particularly as it relates to the outdoor recreation industry.
As a UNE Outdoor Business and Innovation student, you can study on our beautiful Biddeford, Maine campus, near the Saco River's convergence with the Atlantic Ocean. UNE’s location on the coast of Maine places you in the middle of a thriving community of outdoor business innovators. Travel in any direction from our Maine campuses and you will find yourself in an outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland.
Learn more about UNE’s campuses and how you can visit us
In the Makerspace, students from various disciplines collaborate on projects for positive change. As an Outdoor Business and Innovation major, you'll utilize the Makerspace to create product prototypes for use along the Saco River near UNE's Biddeford campus.
Learn more about the P.D. Merrill Makerspace at UNE
UNE’s Global Education program offers many study abroad opportunities. In addition to our campus in Tangier, Morocco, we have semester abroad programs in Spain, France, and Iceland. Outdoor Business and Innovation majors may also be interested in a shorter-term travel course to Iceland. The Arctic Adventure Tourism course focuses on Arctic marketing, management, and communication relevant to the adventure tourism industry.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Financial aid
Check if the school you're considering offers financial aid or scholarships to assist with funding your education.
Getting an undergraduate education at UNE in Maine is very affordable. Our tuition is 16% lower than the average tuition at private universities in New England. Additionally, all new full-time undergraduate students at UNE are eligible for Merit Scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE
For more information please contact Program Director Aimee Vlachos, Ed.D., at avlachos@big5vn.com or (207) 602-2441.