Attention:

Northern Vermont University is now part of Vermont State University! Please visit VermontState.edu for accurate information.

Study Adventure Education and Leadership, Resort Management, Recreation, Tourism, and More

Direction is More Than Where You Go. It’s What You Do.

Whether you’re interested in leading activities such as paddling and mountaineering, environmental education, resort and ski area management, or other business aspects of the recreation industry, our outdoors programs will help you follow your direction to success. Our programs are all about doing — through internships, expeditions, and other real-world experiences.

You’ll work with faculty members who are experienced practitioners with industry certifications and strong connections in the field. Depending on your program, you will graduate prepared for a career in a wide range of settings, from ski resorts, schools, and wilderness areas to camps, environmental education centers, and parks.

 

Vermont State University logo

Northern Vermont University will join with Castleton University and Vermont Technical College to become Vermont State University on July 1, 2023. Learn more and apply for fall 2023.

Learn More and Apply

Our Curriculum Isn’t Confined to the Classroom 

After building a foundation, through your early course work, you can choose to focus on a niche in the industry to give you an advantage in the workplace while you gain leadership and related skills to help you make your impact.

Here are some program features:

  • If you’re a student in our Lyndon-based outdoor education, leadership, and tourism program, recently ranked one of the top 20 campuses for outdoor enthusiasts, you will choose a concentration in adventure leadership or mountain resort management, which has tracks for mountain operations and resort management
  • In the mountain resort management program, you can increase your career options even more with our certifications in outdoor emergency care, CPR, and other in-demand specialties
  • Through hands-on learning experiences, internships, and faculty connections, you’ll be prepared to start your career in adventure education and resort management jobs
  • NVU was the first University in the country to offer an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) course as part of our curriculum
A group of students dressed for cold weather attend class outdoors.

“Having my degree has helped me get jobs, but more importantly it developed me into a well-rounded and dynamic leader. I not only know how to tie the right knots, but I understand how to connect to different learning styles.”

– Trenton Gould ’18

APPLY TODAY. Do North.

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