National Park College[1] (NPC) has received approval from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) to launch a new associate of applied science (AAS) degree in outdoor recreation beginning fall 2026.
The program reflects the Hot Springs-based college’s continued commitment to aligning academic programs with Arkansas’ growing outdoor recreation economy.
Developed in collaboration with regional parks, recreation, and tourism organizations, the program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment while also providing a strong foundation for those who wish to transfer toward a bachelor’s degree.
“Outdoor Recreation is a natural fit for National Park College considering Hot Springs is the historical center of Arkansas tourism and recreation,” said Dr. Chuck Argo, vice president of academic affairs at National Park College. “As the state seeks to double the growth of these industries over the next 10 years, NPC will be well-positioned to provide a skilled workforce to our local, state and federal community partners.”
The program includes a 60-credit-hour associate of applied science and a 45-credit-hour technical certificate (TC), both in outdoor recreation, as well as seven certificates of proficiency (CPs) ranging from eight to twelve credit hours. These options allow students to tailor their studies to individual interests and career goals. The curriculum offers multiple entry and exit points, structured around certificates of proficiency. Completion of the AAS may include up to six embedded credentials, including:
- Outdoor Recreation (TC)
- Foundations in Outdoor Recreation (CP)
- Mountain Biking and Trail Maintenance (CP)
- Outdoor Maintenance (CP)
- Outdoor Recreation Activities (CP)
- Outdoor Recreation Management (CP)
- Tourism & Hospitality (CP)
- Wilderness Safety (CP)
The 2024 Arkansas Tourism Economic Impact Report forecasts a 7% increase in outdoor recreation jobs needed to sustain industry sector growth.
Local employers, as well as state and federal agencies, have expressed their support for the program by donating tools and equipment, providing feedback on program structure and curriculum, serving on the program advisory board, or on-site use of their lands and facilities for instruction.
The Arvest Foundation recently awarded $10,000 to support the launch of NPC’s outdoor recreation initiative. The donation will help purchase equipment for Nighthawk Tracks: Trail Building Essentials, a hands-on course that teaches trail maintenance and environmental stewardship while promoting both personal development and workforce readiness.
“This is exciting news for Hot Springs,” said Bill Solleder, director of marketing for Visit Hot Springs. “The development of the NPC Outdoor Recreation program is well aligned with the State of Arkansas’s outdoor recreation initiative and nicely positioned in Hot Springs National Park and the Diamond Lakes Region. Students who complete the program should find ample opportunities in the Natural State to contribute to the growth in the outdoor economy.”
The Outdoor Recreation program will be the first academic program at NPC to provide instruction jointly with the Division of Workforce and Community Education. As a result, this program will serve both credit-seeking college students as well as local businesses and agencies in need of employee training or upskilling. Most Certificates of Proficiency will be cross-listed as workforce non-credit programs, allowing completers to receive equivalent credit if they later enroll as degree-seeking students.
Related
References
- ^ National Park College (np.edu)