Outdoor Education

Program Description	Type	Degree
Outdoor Education, B.S.	Degree	B.S.
Outdoor Education, Minor	Minor

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Education degree focus on the acquisition and application of content knowledge related to the outdoor recreation setting. Curricular content focuses on outdoor leadership and teaching, outdoor safety, natural history and/or business, and experiential skills. The curriculum prepares students for careers in the Forest Service, national and state parks, city and military recreation programs, and management agencies, fish & game departments, outdoor guide services, and the outdoor equipment and clothing industry.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for Outdoor Education majors are as follows:

SLO #1:  Content Knowledge. Students will be familiar with and understand the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and literature of the outdoor and human performance fields.

SLO #2: Application of Knowledge. Students will be able to demonstrate competence in the application of outdoor skills and apply key outdoor education theoretical approaches in real-world situations.

SLO #3:  Safety. Students will successfully demonstrate wilderness first aid and emergency skills, be able to accurately assess hazards, and manage work-related tasks in a safe, risk-free manner. 

SLO #4:  Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Students will analyze and evaluate concepts, theories, and points of view in the outdoor field; distinguish between fact and fabrication; and apply principles and strategies in an ecologically sound manner. 

SLO# 5:  Leadership. Students will demonstrate effective leadership skills which include professional ethics, flexibility in decision-making, and the ability to engage collaboratively with others to accomplish organizational goals. 

SLO #6: Personal and Professional Growth. Students will develop self-awareness and adaptability, flexibility, and curiosity in pursuit of personal and professional growth.

SLO #7: Communication. Students will be able to understand and communicate effectively through speech, the written word, and various electronic and technological platforms.

SLO #8:  Ethical Behavior. Students engage in ethical behavior, including social issues related to diversity and human dignity, and demonstrate personal responsibility for the protection, conservation, and stewardship of the natural environment.