Capilano University

Outdoor Recreation Management Diploma

Capilano University

Faculty:Faculty of Global & Community Studies
Degree:Diploma; Co-op
Field of Study:Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
Length:2 Year(s)
Cost per year:*
National: $10,499

Cost shown is for Year 1 and includes fees.



Scholarships:1
Careers:Recreation and Sports Managers

Description:

Connect your passion for outdoor adventure, education and conservation with a career in CapU's Outdoor Recreation Management Diploma program. 

Through classroom study, relevant field trips, and work experience, you'll develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to contribute to the exciting outdoor recreation industry. 

In this industry-recognized program that has been running since 1972, you will expand your skills in select courses, such as backpacking, sea kayaking and winter travel, while learning the essentials of management and leadership and how to travel outdoors safely and ethically. 

This two-year program is distinctly CapU in three ways: 

There's only one 35-student intake each year. Apply early to save your spot.  

You'll begin the program with a two-week deep dive into wilderness travel in mid-August, followed by field courses in September and in-class instruction for the rest of your first term.  

The program is cohort-based, so your day-one classmates, collaborators and future lifelong friends will be with you until graduation.   

Your passion for the outdoors, along with the training in the program, will prepare you for future careers in areas such as parks management (as a Park Ranger), conservation, adventure guiding, entrepreneurship, recreation programming and outdoor education. 

You'll also participate in a paid co-op work experience during your first summer semester to strengthen your professional network and support your career development. 

Careers:  

  • Entrepreneur 
  • Non-profit leader 
  • Outdoor educator 
  • Outdoor equipment and apparel 
  • Park Ranger 
  • Recreation programmer 

Prerequisites:

These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.

    High School Requirements 

    • High school graduation 
    • English Studies 12 (C) or 
    • English 12 (C) or 
    • English First Peoples 12 (C) or 
    • EDT=ENGL 100 
    • Principles of Math 11 (C) or 
    • Pre-calculus 11 (pass) or 
    • Foundations of Math 11 (C) or 
    • BMTH 044 (C) or 
    • BMTH 048 (C) or 
    • MATH 096 (C) or 
    • MATH 097 (C) or 
    • Applications of Math 12 (pass) or 
    • Foundations of Math 12 (pass) or 
    • Principles of Math 12 (pass) or 
    • Pre-calculus 12 (pass) or 
    • BMTH 054 (pass) or 
    • BTEC 115 (B-) 

    Current high school students 

    Grade 12 students can apply for conditional admission based on their final Grade 11 and/or interim Grade 12 marks by uploading their most recent grades (e.g., unofficial transcript or a report card) through EducationPlannerBC. Final admission depends on high school graduation and meeting the specific requirements of the program. 

    Note: Applicants from B.C high schools must release their grades to CapU via the BC Ministry of Education at Student Transcripts Services (STS) as soon as possible. 

    Application Notes :

    English is the language of instruction at CapU. All applicants are required to demonstrate competence in the English language prior to admission. If English is not your first language or you've received your education in a language other than English, you must meet our English Language Requirements.

    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

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    Modified on September 07, 2025

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