Program Description
Outdoor Education & Recreation Leadership
A.S. Outdoor Education & Recreation Leadership
The Associate of Science Specialization in Outdoor Education & Recreation Leadership provides a solid foundation in theory and skill development. Students can choose to enter the career field as outdoor pursuit teachers and leaders or move on to complete a bachelors degree in the areas of Outdoor Recreation Leadership, Adventure Education and other allied fields. The required core of study includes courses such as Introduction to Adventure Education, Winter Outdoor Survival, River Studies, First Aid and Wellness. The Outdoor Education Practicum completes this suite of theory instruction.
Students must also select from among core electives for the skill development component of their study. Northwest offers a wide selection of activity courses including the following areas: outdoor living skills, SCUBA, skiing, casting and angling, white water kayaking, spelunking, rock-climbing and bicycle touring.
A selection of general electives rounds out the two year course of study. These electives are selected in consultation with an academic advisor and may include the areas of Environmental Studies, Ecology, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Psychology, Astronomy, Health and Nutrition, and Education.
More Information
- View a typical outdoor education major's 4-Semester Schedule
Program-Specific Student-Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of Experiential/Adventure Education principles and theories.
- Develop skill sets and safety awareness for specific outdoor education area/topics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of leadership styles and effective communication.
Challenge Course Facilitation Skills Certificate
This certificate provides the student with a solid foundation in the principles and theories of experiential/adventure education giving them the background and knowledge necessary to begin work as a facilitator.
This certificate is designed for students that will eb working with groups on a challenge course and or teachers that plan to use adventure activities in the classroom. Requirements for this certificate are:
- HLED 1225 Standard First Aid and CPR
- OEPR 1100 Introduction to Adventure Education
- OEPR 1620 Challenge Course Facilitation
Career Possibilities
- Teambuilding/Ropes Course Facilitator
- Wilderness Instructor
- Camp Counselor
- Eco-Tourism
- Outdoor Educator
- Environmental Educator
- At-Risk Youth
- Recreation Guide
- National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, BLM
Please send me information regarding the Outdoor Education & Recreation Leadership Program.
More information is available by calling Keith McCallister at 307.754-6115 on the campus of Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, or inquire by e-mail at keith.mccallister@northwestcollege.edu.
