Outdoor Leadership, BA
Bring thoughtful planning, inclusive facilitation and environmental learning into outdoor settings.
Help a group learn from where it is.
Good outdoor learning begins before a group reaches a trail. You will study preparation, clear instruction and the ways people take part, then test your approach through supervised teaching activities.
The program connects educational study with field practice. Reflection matters alongside planning: what participants noticed, how a decision affected the group and what you would change before leading the activity again.
The degree in view
The BA requires 120 semester credits. The shared core connects your specialized study with writing, evidence, interpretation and public life. An adviser helps you choose electives that fit your interests without losing sight of the degree requirements.
Required courses
ENVS110Earth Systems
Trace connections among water, soil, climate and living communities using maps and introductory field observations. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
EDUC110Learning & Development
Compare accounts of learning and development through observation, reflective writing and analysis of teaching situations. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
PSYC110Human Behavior
Introduce major psychological questions through selected studies, research methods and everyday applications. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
OUTD150Outdoor Learning
Introduce place-based teaching, group preparation and low-impact field routines. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none.
OUTD220Group Facilitation
Practice clear instruction, group observation and constructive debriefing in outdoor learning activities. 3 credits. Prerequisites: OUTD150.
OUTD310Field Program Design
Develop routes, schedules, equipment lists and contingency plans for a supervised learning program. 3 credits. Prerequisites: OUTD220.
OUTD410Leadership Practicum
Lead a sequence of peer learning activities and evaluate decisions with a faculty supervisor. 3 credits. Prerequisites: OUTD310.
OUTD490Outdoor Leadership Capstone
Design, deliver and assess an outdoor education program with documented preparation and reflection. 3 credits. Prerequisites: OUTD410.
A related-study pathway
One approved related-study pathway; the sample plan uses these six courses. Alternatives require an adviser-approved sequence with the same credit value.
An eight-semester example
The plan below completes prerequisites before the next sequenced course. Breadth electives come from outside the major division; free electives can support exploration or a coherent additional interest. Consult your adviser before changing a sequence.
| Semester | Courses and elective spaces | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 · Fall | WRIT101, COMM105, ENVS110, Breadth elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 1 · Spring | PHIL110, HIST120, EDUC110, Breadth elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 2 · Fall | WRIT201, LIT130, PSYC110, OUTD150, Breadth elective | 15 |
| Year 2 · Spring | ARTS105, QUAN105, OUTD220, EDST150, Breadth elective | 15 |
| Year 3 · Fall | SCIE105, CIVI120, OUTD310, PSYC150, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 3 · Spring | ETHI210, GLBL150, OUTD410, WCON150, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 4 · Fall | EDST220, PSYC220, Free elective, Free elective, Free elective | 15 |
| Year 4 · Spring | OUTD490, WCON220, Free elective, Free elective, Free elective | 15 |
Work toward a capstone
A supervised outdoor learning program with route planning, participant preparation and reflective evaluation.
Your proposal sets the scope, method and expected form of the final work. Scheduled reviews give you an opportunity to respond to feedback before a public presentation or exhibition.
A person to plan with
Clara Wells
Senior Lecturer, Outdoor Leadership
Alder Hall, Room 114
Group facilitation, field planning and outdoor education.
Start an advising conversationConsider your next direction
The degree can support environmental project support, conservation program coordination, graduate study in a related field. Career Studio can help you translate project work into a portfolio, a clear account of methods or the preparation for further study.
Explore Career Studio