FOREST (Foundations of Outdoor Recreation, Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Tourism) Certificate

Introduction

The purpose of the FOREST (Foundations of Outdoor Recreation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Tourism) is to provide students with the ability to apply Entrepreneurial and Innovative mindset, knowledge and skills to Outdoor Recreation and Sustainable Tourism and related areas. At WWU we focus on human-centered, whole person development including self-discovery, knowledge, skills/abilities and mindset where we support being able to identify opportunities and tie them to innovations while bringing people and resources together to make impactful change happen. Students will learn introductory to intermediate foundations allowing them to become entrepreneurial and innovative leaders (intrapreneurs), create and prepare to launch their own business (or other organization type including non-profits/NGOs and social enterprises) and/or join an existing organization as a productive, entrepreneurial team member.

Why Consider a FOREST Certificate?

The FOREST Certificate is designed to be synergistic with many major areas of study with special connection to those interested in making positive change and impact the fields of Outdoor Recreation and Sustainable Tourism specifically and more generally to related areas including the environment, climate, community, outdoors and sustainability. Want to discover who you are and how you can bring your gifts to better world? Doing what you love? Want to even more effectively apply your learning? Want to learn how to be an entrepreneurial and innovative leader? Perhaps you have had a dream or just wanted to explore opening your own business or starting a non-profit or NGO? If the answer is yes to any of these, this program may be a perfect fit for you!

The FOREST Certificate provides a diverse community to discover your passions and focus with purpose into your professional life with special focus on outdoor recreation and sustainable tourism. We hold that entrepreneurship and innovation are skills that can be taught to everyone who is eager to learn. The program empowers students to integrate entrepreneurship and innovation with their major areas of study, creating a powerful combination for success in the professional world. While the certificate is highly useful for those desiring to start and grow their own ventures, it is also valuable for those who desire to be “intrapreneurs” and drive innovative change inside existing organizations be they small business, corporate, cooperatives, non-profit, social enterprises/ventures or the public sector (education, government etc.).

Student Resources

Department website: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Contact information: Arthur Sherwood, Ph.D., Program Director, 360-650-4146, arthur.sherwood@wwu.edu

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample careers: With its interdisciplinary approach, FOREST enhances every student’s potential with special focus on Outdoor Recreation and Sustainable Tourism. Everyone can be entrepreneurial and innovative regardless of their chosen paths from founding new ventures to being entrepreneurial and innovative small business, corporate, nonprofit and governmental leaders. FOREST especially supports paths leading to Outdoor Recreation/Sustainable Tourism Business Owner/Founder, Non-profit manager, Organizational Manager, Corporate Professional and Government administration.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

We accept applications on a rolling basis during the academic year. Applicants may apply upon completing ENTR 246 with C- grade or above and must fill out a Certificate Declaration and Change Form to declare official enrollment in the program.

While there are no specific limitations on the number of declared program members, program admittance will vary depending on academic program capacity to deliver offerings serving active members.  

Waivers for any of these or other requirements can be granted by the Program Director.

Certificate Completion

Certificates are awarded only upon the student’s submission of a Certificate Completion Application. Review application fees on the Certificate Information website.

• Undergraduate/Post Bac Certificate Completion Application

Coursework required for completion of a certificate may not be eligible for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid department for questions regarding certificate coursework aid eligibility.

Grade Requirements

Successful completion and awarding of the certificate requires a minimum of a C- in all courses and an overall program gpa of 2.5 or above.