Outdoor Education (B.A.): Outdoor Program Management & Administration concentration - J

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.

Outdoor Program Management & Administration Concentration

Required Concentration Courses (minimum 21 credits)

BUS 2015 - Fundamentals of Management in Business Credit(s): 3
BUS 2210 - Small Business Management Credit(s): 3 *
BUS 2230 - Principles of Marketing Credit(s): 3 *
BUS 2410 - Human Resource Management Credit(s): 3 OR
BUS 3250 - Organizational Behavior & Management Credit(s): 3
BUS 2280 - Introduction to Business Ethics Credit(s): 3 OR
POS 3050 - Environmental Ethics & Politics Credit(s): 3
OER 2140 - Ropes Course Leadership Credit(s): 2
OER 3070 - Adventure Education Theory & Practice Credit(s): 3
In addition to the above courses, students must complete two Outdoor Education Skills classes (1-6 credits) from the following list: Backpacking, Advanced Backpacking, Rock Climbing I, Advanced Rock Craft, River Kayaking, Whitewater Kayaking, Coastal Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Orienteering, Snowshoeing, Ice Climbing, Nordic & Backcountry Skiing, Fly Fishing.

Additional Concentration Requirement (3-4 credits)

(Choose one course)

ACC 2121 - Financial Accounting Credit(s): 4 *
BUS 3110 - Ski Area Management & Design Credit(s): 3
BUS 3131 - Business Law I Credit(s): 3 *
BUS 3440 - Ecotourism and Sustainability Credit(s): 3
CIS 2220 - Website Design (J) Credit(s): 3

Total: 56-68 credits

Note

Note: The above courses in the concentration with an asterisk (*) complete the Certificate in Small Business Management.

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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