Outdoor Education (B.A.): Therapeutic Wilderness & Adventure Programming 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.

Therapeutic Wilderness & Adventure Programming Concentration

Required Core Courses (Minimum 26 cr.)

OER 1061 - Backpacking Credit(s): 1
OER 2060 - Wilderness First Responder Credit(s): 4
OER 2140 - Ropes Course Leadership Credit(s): 2
OER 3070 - Adventure Education Theory & Practice Credit(s): 3
PSY 2040 - Social Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 3010 - Theories of Personality Credit(s): 3
PSY 3070 - Abnormal Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 3330 - Psychology of Addictions Credit(s): 3
PSY 3345 - The Psychology of Groups 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.

Total: 58-69 credits

Recommended Electives

AHS 1010 - Contemporary Health Issues Credit(s): 3
AHS 4025 - Health Behavior: Change & Adherence Credit(s): 3
AHS 4030 - Psychology of Sports & Exercise Credit(s): 3
OER 1165 - Coastal Kayak Guide Training Credit(s): 2
OER 2050 - Rock Climbing Instructor Credit(s): 2
OER 2062 - Advanced Backpacking Credit(s): 2
OER 3090 - Leave No Trace Master Educator Credit(s): 3
OER 4030 - Wilderness Leadership Techniques Credit(s): 4
PSY 4010 - Biological Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 4151 - Counseling Theory & Practice Credit(s): 3
PSY 4330 - Introduction to Clinical Skills Credit(s): 3
PSY 4340 - Fundamentals of Community Mental Health Credit(s): 3
SOC 3080 - Wellness & Alternative Medicine Credit(s): 3
WAM 3010 - Living the Good Life Credit(s): 3

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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