National Park College (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 College’s continued commitment to aligning academic programs with Arkansas’s 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 ten 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 describes a 4 percent increase in visitor spending, a 3.5 percent increase in state and local tax revenues, and a 2.3 percent increase in the number of jobs directly supported by the industry. The report also forecasts a 7 percent increase in outdoor recreation jobs needed to sustain this 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.
NPC continues to expand its noncredit outdoor recreation offerings through Workforce and Community Education, providing hands-on learning for community members and professionals interested in trail maintenance, outdoor leadership, and recreation management. Earlier this year, NPC hosted its first noncredit Trail Building Essentials course, followed by new sessions planned for this fall, including Bicycle Repair Basics. These experiences have laid the groundwork for the credit-bearing Outdoor Recreation program and demonstrate the growing regional interest in outdoor workforce skills.
Bill Ritter, vice president for workforce at National Park College, said expanding into outdoor recreation reflects both community demand and statewide priorities.
“Outdoor recreation is deeply rooted in the history of National Park College and the Hot Springs community,” Ritter said. “Epic trails, world-class hunting and fishing, and millions of acres of public lands bring over $7 billion into our economy each year. As one of Arkansas’s greatest economic assets, this industry depends on a skilled workforce. With more than 50 years of experience in workforce training, NPC is committed to developing that talent and ensuring it continues to thrive.”
Mason Campbell, chief academic officer at the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, said the new program represents perfect timing for the state’s growing outdoor recreation economy.
"The Outdoor Recreation program from National Park College is going to be great for this region of Arkansas,” Campbell said. “Our state's outdoor tourism is absolutely taking off, and NPC is jumping in at just the right time with a really smart, comprehensive plan. They're leveraging the best of Hot Springs, its natural beauty and great industry partners to build a talented workforce. This isn't just a new course offering; it's a vital investment in one of our most important economic drivers."
Dr. Wade Derden, president of National Park College, said the new degree builds on the College’s role as a community leader and regional partner.
“With the establishment of this associate degree in Outdoor Recreation, National Park
College is embracing its unique institutional identity,” Derden said. “We take pride
in our role as a college that effectively serves its community. This new program aims
to develop the talent pipeline necessary to meet the growing demand of the outdoor
recreation and tourism industries in the Greater Hot Springs area and the Ouachita
Mountains region.”
The new AAS in Outdoor Recreation program application has been submitted to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accrediting body and is pending review. NPC noncredit workforce courses will continue throughout 2025–2026.