Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment will be offering a new online professional outdoor industry certificate beginning this spring.
“This new, one-of-a-kind professional online certificate program taps into a key strength and economic growth area in Western North Carolina and nationwide: the human desire to be in the great outdoors,” said Andy Coburn, a member of WCU’s research and graduate faculty and one of two faculty liaisons to the outdoor industry.
The certificate program provides participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to grow their businesses, sharpen their leadership skills, design and develop unique outdoor products, and shape the future of the outdoor industry for years to come.
Two tracks will be offered: small business/entrepreneurship and leadership.
Participants will take five core courses from their chosen track and choose three electives from a selection of leadership, communication, business and entrepreneurial courses.
The courses are offered ala-carte, and once the eight courses are completed, a certificate will be awarded.
The registration fee is $129 per course or enroll in the entire program for $825 (a 20 percent discount).
For information, visit learn.wcu.edu/outdoor-certificate or contact WCU’s associate director of professional development, Jill Thompson at jcthompson@wcu.edu or 828.227.7397.
