OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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It starts here, where you'll build skills that balance product, profit, people and our planet.
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.
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 challenges facing the industry, and skills desired in future employees.
The Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Products will prepare you for a career in the outdoor industry. 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.
Students majoring in other programs at OSU-Cascades can choose to complete the outdoor products minor.
As a Hydro Flask sales intern, outdoor products major Brendan Lewis worked with buyers to improve Hydro Flask’s in-store merchandising, made sure e-commerce sites were up-to-date with photos and branding, and helped Hydro Flask’s team of sales managers with daily tasks. He loved every minute of it. “I do well with hands-on learning,” said Brendan. “I’m excited to be getting real-life experience in my field.” Originally from Sisters, Ore., Brendan feels lucky to have the outdoor products degree program and industry leaders right in his own backyard.
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
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