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Outdoor Products
Outdoor Products
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Honors Bachelor of Science
Minor
College
College of Engineering
Catalog Link
Description
Your path into the outdoor industry starts here, where you'll build skills that balance product, profit, people and our planet. Leaders in the industry are looking to hire innovators who champion responsible systems approach to product commercialization with respect for our natural world.
In this interdisciplinary degree, you'll study design, engineering, natural resources, outdoor recreation, sustainability, and business with expert faculty who have experience in research, industry and public agencies.
You'll study the full life cycle of a product, with courses that span from concept creation and design to commercialization to end-of-life. From resource management to outdoor leadership to sustainability, the program's course of study emphasizes environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility.
Practicums, internships and capstone projects are part of the core curriculum. This is where personalization of your degree takes shape. Whether your dream career is in Bend, Bellingham, or Burlington, we'll work together to help coordinate your experiential learning opportunities with local and global outdoor industry partners.
Program Information
A total of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate, including 60 upper-division credits.
Requirements include:
- Core Education
- Outdoor Products Major Requirements
Degree Checklist and Guides
Outdoor Products Curriculum Checklist (PDF)
Oregon Community College Outdoor Products Transfer Guides
Academic Progression Model
Academic Progression Model requires students to maintain a 2.5 OSU GPA and earn 65% of the credits they attempt at OSU. College-specific progression standards apply to all students in the College of Engineering. These standards relate to staying in good academic standing within your major and are different from staying in good standing with OSU.
Undergraduate Academic Progression Model
This is a sample plan intended for informational purposes only. Students will work with their OSU academic advisor to create degree plan that works best for each student based around unique interests, goals and transfer work.
Using the following course forecast information students will plan ahead and work with their advisor to create and update academic plans.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate and apply a systems overview approach toward product commercialization.
- Describe the value of minimizing negative environmental impact, increased access, and the importance of promoting social justice during a product’s lifecycle.
- Situate knowledge of iconic historical figures and their companies, and the history, use, management, and protection of public lands and ethical business practices as an essential competency for work in the outdoor product industry.
- Apply key elements of coursework to experiential learning opportunities that include internships and integrated cross-disciplinary projects.
Outdoor Products Minor (30 credits)
Students majoring in other programs at OSU-Cascades can choose to complete the outdoor products minor.
Learn the historical context of the outdoor industry to help shape its future
Study in Central Oregon — home to Hydro Flask, Ruffwear, The Outside Shop, Bend Outdoor Worx and a thriving outdoor products community
"An all-around win for the outdoor industry." That's what Geartrade said about the outdoor products degree program at OSU-Cascades.
Signature Program
We asked the experts
The outdoor products degree at OSU-Cascades is one of the few of its kind in the country. It was developed with input from more than 30 outdoor organizations including Black Diamond, Columbia, Keen, Nau, The Conservation Alliance, Nike, REI and Patagonia to understand the challenges facing the industry, and the skills desired in future employees.
SnoPlanks Academy
The ultimate experiential learning experience
At OSU-Cascades' SnoPlanks Academy, you and your fellow students will run the very real SnoPlanks snowboard company, including product design, supply chain management, financial analysis and market execution. The world-class business faculty and staff at OSU-Cascades will guide and support you every step of the way. And SnoPlanks Academy offers the best kind of career development: running a company before you even graduate. Learn more about applying for the next cohort.
Small Classes. Real Mentors.
In the field
Our faculty are in the classroom — and out in the world, making a difference. Geoff Raynak, program coordinator and senior instructor for the outdoor products program, has commercialized motorcycles, mountain bike suspension, biometric monitoring apparel and more. While at Nike Innovation Kitchen, he worked directly with the English Premier League and U.S. National teams to change the way soccer balls are engineered.
Sample Courses
- Introduction to the Outdoor Products Industry
- Experience Outdoor Products – Water, Winter, Land
- Introduction To Entrepreneurship
- Design Thinking and Process Innovation
- Product Ecosystem Connections
- Outdoor Products Design
- Outdoor Products Development
- Outdoor Products Failure
- Engineering Graphics & 3D Modeling
- Outdoor Products Branding, Merchandising and Sales
- Impact, Access and Social Justice
- Environmental Economics & Policy
- Introduction to Environmental Science & Sustainability
- Wilderness & Recreation Resource Management
Career Options
Job opportunities for graduates of this degree program include:
- Designer
- Product Developer
- Innovation Engineer
- Product Line Manager
- Product Category General Manager
- Merchandising Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Technical Sales Representative
- Buyer
- Director of Sustainability
- Entrepreneur/Inventor
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Contact Us
We're here to help! Future students can connect with an OSU-Cascades admissions advisor for admission and program questions.