National Park College (NPC) has received approval from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) to introduce a new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in outdoor recreation beginning fall 2026.
The program reflects the Hot Springs-based college's ongoing commitment to adapting academic programs to Arkansas' growing outdoor recreation economy.
Developed in collaboration with area parks, recreation and tourism organizations, the program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment while providing a solid foundation for those wishing to transition to a bachelor's degree.
“Recreational activities are a natural fit for National Park College, considering Hot Springs is the historic center of tourism and recreation in Arkansas,” said Dr. Chuck Argo, vice president of academic affairs at National Park College. “As the state looks to double the growth of these industries over the next decade, NPC will be well positioned to provide a skilled workforce to our local, state and federal partners.”
The program includes a 60-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science and a 45-credit-hour Technical Certificate (TC), both in the field of outdoor recreation, as well as seven Certificates of Proficiency (CPs) ranging from eight to twelve credit hours. These options enable students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals. The curriculum offers multiple entry and exit points based on competency certificates. The AAS degree can include up to six embedded credentials, including:
- Outdoor Recreation (TC)
- Basics of Outdoor Leisure (CP)
- Mountain Biking and Trail Maintenance (CP)
- External maintenance (CP)
- Outdoor leisure activities (CP)
- Outdoor Leisure Management (CP)
- Tourism & Hospitality (CP)
- Wilderness Safety (CP)
The 2024 Arkansas Tourism Economic Impact Report projects a 7% increase in outdoor recreation jobs needed for sustained industry growth.
Local employers and state and federal agencies have expressed their support for the program by donating tools and equipment, providing feedback on the program structure and curriculum, serving on the program advisory board, or using their on-site property and facilities for classes.
The Arvest Foundation recently committed $10,000 to support the launch of NPC's outdoor recreation initiative. The donation will support the purchase of equipment for Nighthawk Tracks: Trail Building Essentials, a hands-on course that teaches trail maintenance and environmental stewardship while promoting personal development and workforce readiness.
“This is exciting news for Hot Springs,” said Bill Solleder, marketing director for Visit Hot Springs. “The development of the NPC Outdoor Recreation program is well aligned with the State of Arkansas' outdoor recreation initiative and well positioned in Hot Springs National Park and the Diamond Lakes Region. Students completing the program should find numerous opportunities to contribute to the growth of the outdoor economy at Natural State.”
The Outdoor Recreation program will be the first academic program at NPC to offer instruction in conjunction with the Division of Workforce and Community Education. Therefore, this program benefits both college students seeking loans as well as local businesses and agencies that need training or development for their employees. Most credentials are listed as non-credit workforce programs, allowing graduates to receive equivalent credits when they later enroll as graduate students.