Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Outdoor Education and Leadership, Undergraduate Certificate


Academic Information

The Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) Outdoor Education & Leadership (OEL) emphasis/minor/certificate is a program that has incredible partnerships, integrated curriculum and allows for a more student-centered approach to learning. This innovative and unique program spans the gap between a traditional educational program and an experiential learning opportunity where students walk away with the real-world skills and certifications needed to excel in the field of Outdoor Education and Leadership.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Outdoor Education and Leadership, Undergraduate Certificate


Careers

What Can I Do with a Certificate in Outdoor Education and Leadership?

This innovative and unique program spans the gap between a traditional educational program and an experiential learning opportunity where students walk away with the real-world skills and certifications needed to excel in the field of Outdoor Education and Leadership. Internationally Recognized Certifications gained during the program: Wilderness First Responder Medical Certification, Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification.    

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Wilderness Instructor 
  • Wilderness Therapy
  • Outdoor Guiding 
  • Conservation Corps
  • Environmental Educator 
  • Outdoor Educator
  • Camp Counseling
  • Outdoor Science Programming
  • Naturalist
  • Interpretive Ranger
  • Outdoor Medicine

With further education, one of these paths is possible:


Program Lead in the following areas: 

  • Wilderness Instructor 
  • Wilderness Therapy
  • Outdoor Guiding
  • Conservation Corps
  • Environmental Educator
  • Outdoor Educator
  • Camp Counseling
  • Outdoor Science Programming
  • Naturalist
  • Interpretive Ranger
  • Outdoor Medicine

 

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Outdoor Education and Leadership, Undergraduate Certificate


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Outdoor Education and Leadership, Undergraduate Certificate


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 18

Purpose Statement

The Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL) certificate prepares and certifies students for careers in experiential education, risk management, environmental ethics, and programming within the private, non-profit, and public sectors of outdoor-leisure services. Students establish a background in program assessment, budgeting, planning, pedagogical design, teaching/leading/facilitating, and risk management as it relates to all sectors of outdoor-leisure services. Coursework provides students with professional preparation focusing on concepts and philosophies involved in organizing outdoor programs, designing experienced-based curricula, and safely facilitating educational and transformative nature-based experiences. In successfully completing this certificate, students will earn nationally recognized certifications in wilderness medicine and environmental ethics. Students will have the ability to integrate the full spectrum of skills through a hands-on project where they will plan, assess, budget, and enact a multi-week field expedition. This program is well suited for students who wish to gain leadership skills while working in an outdoor environment.  Students who complete this certificate will be able to design, plan, assess, and safely execute outdoor-based programs and events for a wide variety of groups.

Student Learning Outcomes

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Outdoor Education and Leadership, Undergraduate Certificate


Details

Certificate Requirements
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Outdoor Education and Leadership, Undergraduate Certificate


Campus Availability

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