BA in Outdoor Education Degree Program Overview
You’ll develop leadership and facilitation skills in wilderness environments. Building a connection with the natural environment and becoming comfortable in outdoor settings will assist your growth as an outdoor educator and a wilderness leader.
Through a series of experiential education coursework and skills-based courses, you’ll develop and build your educational and leadership abilities through backpacking, climbing, skiing, ropes courses, and more. You’ll enjoy many opportunities to explore your skill sets in a safe and supportive learning environment while developing a stronger, more self-reliant approach to leading groups and teaching in a variety of atmospheres, including the wilderness.
Experiential education, civic engagement, and a strong connection to nature are embedded intuitively in this program. We’re passionate about preserving the natural environment through outdoor education opportunities. NEC is committed to these principles, and in the Outdoor Education program, you’ll lead by example.
Experiential Education
Outdoor Education is a trailblazer in hands-on, experiential education at NEC. Outdoor experience and leadership are taught in a supportive environment where trying new things, stepping outside your comfort zone, and exploring possibilities are encouraged and nurtured. You’ll become more confident in your judgment and decision-making skills and grow as a trusted, self-assured leader and educator.
Wilderness Trips: Build your wilderness leadership and outdoor education skills during three-to-10-day wilderness immersion trips in backcountry environments, such as Gaspésie National Park in Canada and Zion National Park in Utah or leading a first-year wilderness preorientation program. Lead middle and high school students, adults, and peers on wilderness adventures.
Ropes Courses: Engage in intensive group projects like building ropes course elements on NEC’s Adventure Bound Ropes Course; designing school programs on the course; and teaching middle and high school students, adults, and peers on NEC’s course.
Mock Rescues: Participate in wilderness first-responder mock rescues, including winter rescues in cooperation with local public service personnel and volunteers.
