Western Carolina University to offer online outdoor industry certificate

February 26, 2021

CULLOWHEE, NC –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: 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.

There will be two tracks offered, small business/entrepreneurship and leadership.

Participants will take five core courses from their chosen track and choose 3 electives from an extensive selection of leadership, communication, business and entrepreneurial courses.

The courses are offered ala-carte and once the 8 courses are completed, a certificate will be awarded.

The registration fee is $129 per course or enroll in the entire certificate for $825 (a 20 percent discount) .

For more 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.

WCU’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment, as part of the Division of Educational Outreach, provides opportunities for individuals to further their career through education and training.

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