The emphasis in Outdoor Education is designed for outdoor professionals, youth workers, classroom teachers, or anyone who wants to more effectively use God's book of nature in teaching and outdoor programming. Generally, the classes and field experiences involve examining, evaluating, developing, and implementing outdoor education programs. Activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, and rock climbing, are included as part of many of the courses, but are not the primary focus. Students can complete their coursework in three to four semesters, and may choose from two attendance options. For program completion, a student must either submit and receive approval on a professional portfolio containing specific evidence as directed by the guidelines provided, or complete a thesis and successfully defend it as required by EDUC 598.
These intensive sessions are designed for outdoor professionals (camp directors, naturalists, etc.) who need to continue working while enrolled in classes. To accommodate the work schedules of such professionals, each semester requires attendance at a two-week intensive, with additional projects and/or assignments to be completed individually in an outdoor setting after the session. Online coursework is also utilized. Participation in these intensive sessions represents a commitment to the outdoor education field and is an opportunity for students to test their skills, knowledge, desires, and career goals while sharing topics of discussion and interest with the instructors and each other. Students in this attendance option must be employed by or have access to an outdoor facility in order to complete the field experiences required.
The summer field school is designed for K-12 teachers who would like to use outdoor laboratories to enrich the classroom curriculum. Typically the student will attend three consecutive summer field school sessions in order to complete the degree. Internships allow the teacher to network with outdoor professionals in their home community. Resources used for internships typically include nature centers, parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and government agencies offering outdoor education programming for teachers and schools. Some students may also elect to do Independent Study. Independent Study allows the teacher to develop outdoor units of study for use in their classrooms. All students attending the summer field school should come prepared with outdoor appropriate clothing and basic camping gear. Suggested schedules for summer field school and a list of items typically required for classes are available from the School of Education and Psychology.