WVU Tech launches new four-year Adventure Recreation Management degree program

WVU Tech has launched a new four-year degree program in adventure recreation management. The program is designed to capture the energy and expertise of Southern West Virginia’s outdoor adventure industry and will begin training students this August.

Students will study the management and administration of outdoor recreation venues and businesses, particularly in the fields of paddle sports, rock climbing, mountain biking and challenge courses. Students will also learn technical skills and field leadership techniques.

Dr. Steve Storck, director of WVU Tech Adventures, developed the new program. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry and in creating collegiate outdoor programs, he said Tech’s location in Beckley is the perfect environment for this type of degree.

“The diversity and caliber of businesses, facilities and natural areas are incomparable to similar programs in other parts of the country. This is a great training ground for skill development and numerous outfitters, the New River National Park and the Summit offer practical learning labs for development of guiding and program management skills,” he said.

Storck said the program will help strengthen and grow the local adventure industry, too. Students who complete training and certifications as guides and instructors will also participate in management practicum experiences where they’ll work within the industry.

“We view the new program as a partner to the regional and statewide adventure industry. We expect graduates of the program to help these businesses to be more successful in the future and to bring leading-edge skills and methods to their professional practice,” he said.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to land jobs in the nation’s growing adventure recreation and adventure tourism sectors as adventure programmers, challenge course managers, outdoor retail store managers, therapeutic adventure counselors, ski school directors, rafting river managers and more.

Applications are now open for students who want to enter into the program. Find out more at https://admissions.wvutech.edu/academics/majors/adventure-recreation-management.