Lead, teach, and inspire in the outdoors 

The ✽ Outdoor Education Emphasis (AA) is offered at:

• Breckenridge: Mostly in-person
• Dillon: Mostly in-person
• Leadville: Mostly in-person
• Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs: Mostly in-person
• Steamboat Springs: Mostly in-person

All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands and Waters under special permits and agreements from the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

This program has certain physical and academic standards which you will be required to meet before you are admitted to the program. Students accepted into the college's vocational programs must be physically, mentally, and emotionally self-supportive with reasonable accommodations.

If there is a concern about meeting the physical and academic standard, students need to contact the Access Coordinator who will determine the student's ability to participate in this program.

Where can I go from here?

The Outdoor Education program at CMC prepares students for a wide range of careers in outdoor leadership, education, and recreation—or for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in related fields. Graduates develop leadership, teaching, facilitation, and risk management skills, making them competitive for roles in experiential education, environmental stewardship, and outdoor programming. 

Career Opportunities 
Graduates enter diverse fields, including: 

• Outdoor education – Teach environmental and adventure-based education at schools, nature centers, and non-profits 

• Experiential learning programs – Work for organizations like Outward Bound, NOLS, or city parks & recreation departments 

• Youth development and outdoor therapy – Counsel at-risk youth in wilderness therapy programs 

• Environmental education and interpretation – Lead educational programs in national parks, museums, and conservation organizations 

• Adventure and outdoor recreation – Work as guides, instructors, or trip leaders in climbing, rafting, backpacking, and more 

• Federal and state agencies – Take on roles with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, or Bureau of Land Management 

Transfer and Further Education 
Many graduates continue their education by earning a bachelor’s degree at CMC or transferring to another college or university to pursue a bachelor’s in: 

• Outdoor education, recreation, or adventure leadership 

• Environmental science, sustainability, or conservation 

• Teaching, school counseling, or experiential education 

• Human services, psychology, or wilderness therapy 

CMC alumni have successfully transferred to Colorado universities as well as out-of-state institutions like the University of New Hampshire, Alaska Pacific University, and Western Washington University.