Want a degree that combines your passion for the great outdoors with job-ready skills that’ll allow you to manage — or start your own — four-season outdoor recreation-related businesses? UMF’s Outdoor Recreation Business Administration Program (aka ORBA) is an innovative academic program with a broad four-season focus. It has an emphasis on business, with substantial coursework in outdoor recreation — including areas like snow sports, the river industry, adventure sports, hiking and camping, golf and inland fishing. For a full description, visit the UMF catalog (2024-2025).

How do I explore ORBA at UMF?

There are many ways to explore a major. You could:

  • Review the webpage for this major.
  • Talk to faculty members in the major. Ask about their career path.
  • Choose a class of interest and contact the faculty member to ask about going to one of the classes.
  • Talk with students in the major for insights into the courses you will take and professors who will instruct you.
  • Enroll in one of the following courses: BUS 130 Introduction to Recreation and Tourism or any REC or BUS course.
  • Get involved by joining a club or volunteer with an organization.
  • Volunteer or intern with an organization that is aligned with this major.
  • Talk with a Career Counselor.

What careers can I get with this major?


Data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources. Median Salaries for positions in Maine typically fall below those of other New England states.

What jobs have UMF graduates acquired?

Ski School Manager at Cooper Mountain, Marketing Coordinator at L.L. Bean, Fitness Specialist, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, Group Exercise Coordinator, Golf Pro, Whitewater Rafting Guide, Recreation Coordinator, General Manager of Titcomb Mountain, Employee at Copper Mountain, and others.

Can I minor in ORBA? Are there related majors at UMF?

UMF has many related minors including Tourism, Hospitality and Outdoor Recreation (THOR minor), Business, Economics, Outdoor Recreation, Coaching, Physical Fitness, Health Promotion and Wellness, and other choices. Majors related to ORBA include Health Promotion and Wellness, Business Administration, and Business Psychology. UMF also offers an Alpine Operations Certificate. Read more about majors and minors.

How to I declare this major?

Contact Dr. Clyde Mitchell, clyde.mitchell@maine.edu, to discuss your interests. To apply to the major, complete a change of major form.

Back to list of majors at UMF