Outdoor Education (B.A.): Environmental Education concentration - J

This program is for students pursuing careers helping children and adults learn about and explore their environment, understand what they can do to take care of it, and apply what they learn to global environmental issues. It program provides technical training in outdoor techniques and leadership in combination with cross-disciplinary study in education, psychology, biology and environmental science. Graduates earn a B.A. in Outdoor Education with a concentration in Environmental Education.

Students in this concentration will be prepared for employment in a variety of settings, including working at outdoor education, environmental and nature centers; as naturalists or interpreters in federal, state or local parks; conducting nature or environmentally-oriented activities for municipal or community recreation programs; as summer camp nature specialists; and as school and college workshop leaders and curriculum consultants. Students can also pursue advanced degrees in outdoor education and environmental education.

Outdoor Education Programs at NVU-Johnson

The Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education is an exciting offering within our diverse department. The Outdoor Education major includes courses from many different disciplines, including environmental science, biology, psychology, and business, as well as courses focused specifically on the techniques necessary to lead and teach people in the out-of-doors. Four concentrations are offered:

Adventure Education & Wilderness Leadership
Environmental Education
Outdoor Program Management & Administration
Therapeutic Wilderness & Adventure Programming

Our program’s graduates can expect to find careers with organizations such as wilderness schools, adventure outfitters, outdoor guide services, wilderness or adventure therapy programs, ropes courses, indoor climbing centers, resorts, private schools with outdoor programming, year-round camps, environmental and nature education centers, and national, state, and local parks, just to name a few.

Prior to the required internship, students must complete OER 3010 with a grade of C- or better, have junior or senior standing and obtain a recommendation from the Outdoor Education faculty. Students should meet with their advisors early in their program for specific details regarding the internship process.

Learning Outcomes

The B.A. in Outdoor Education seeks to produce graduates who can demonstrate:

Knowledge of the historical and philosophical foundations of the field, human development, learning theories, experiential education, natural history and environmental issues;
The ability to critically read, evaluate and synthesize literature in the field of outdoor education and carry out an original research project;
Pedagogical skills and practical experience organizing, teaching and leading diverse populations through experiential, field-based learning opportunities;
Knowledge of professional practices including program administration, program development, risk management, emergency procedures and awareness of industry standards, current issues and trends;
Knowledge and skills specific to outdoor adventure pursuits, environmental education, therapeutic applications, and/or program management and administrative practices.

Required Core Courses (32-38 credits)

ENV 1110 - Introduction to Environmental Problems Credit(s): 3
ENV 2050 - The Natural History of Vermont Credit(s): 3 OR
BIO 2130 - Natural History of the Yellowstone Plateau Credit(s): 3
OER 1000 - Introduction to Outdoor Education Credit(s): 4
OER 3010 - Learning in the Outdoors Credit(s): 4 *
OER 3020 - Outdoor Program Planning & Administration Credit(s): 3
OER 4900 - Research in Outdoor Education Credit(s): 3 **
PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 2070 - Developmental Psychology Credit(s): 3
OER 4810 - Internship in Outdoor Education Credit(s): 6-12 (6-12 credits)
* A grade of C- or higher is required in OER 3010 .
** PSY 2410 - Research Methods in Psychology (3 cr.), may be substituted for Wilderness & Adventure Therapy students only.

Environmental Education Concentration

Required Concentration Courses (21 credits)

BIO 1210 - Introduction to Biology Credit(s): 4 OR
BIO 1211 - Introduction to Biology: Ecology and Evolution Credit(s): 4
BIO 2340 - Fundamentals of Ecology Credit(s): 4
ENV 1050 - Introduction to Earth Science Credit(s): 4
BIO 3370 - Environmental Interpretation Credit(s): 3
ENV 3230 - National Parks & Wilderness Management Credit(s): 3
ENV 4010 - Global Environmental Issues Credit(s): 3

Natural Science Field Course (3-4 credits)

(Choose one)

BIO 2145 - Plant Biology Credit(s): 4
BIO 3110 - Field Ornithology Credit(s): 3
BIO 3310 - Wildlife Field Methods Credit(s): 4
GEY 3120 - Field Geology Credit(s): 4

Total: 56-63 credits

Important:

In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum and NVU Graduation Standards .

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