Outdoor Leadership

  • Overview

Provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead entry-level or above adventure programs and services. Students learn by doing: activities are primarily field-oriented, with hands-on training. The certificate prepares you to design and deliver experiences in five areas: backcountry travel, rock climbing, paddling sports, Nordic skiing, and challenge course work. Certification competencies comply with adventure industry nationally recognized standards. OLP is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education.

What You'll StudyCourse Sequencing
OLP
Curriculum Documents

To plan certificate completion, see the course descriptions in the academic catalog which specify the planned semester(s) in which required classes are to be scheduled.

This program is intended for completion in two semesters of full-time study over one year. For required course sequencing please contact the program coordinator.

Course descriptions are available in the academic catalog. Find courses

This is just one way you might complete the Outdoor Leadership Certificate Program in 2 semesters over 1 year of full-time study, or 4 semesters over 2 years of part-time study. (Sample course sequences assume that all pre-requisites have been satisfied and the student is prepared for college-level work.) For a detailed list of required courses, optional electives and program information download the Outdoor Leadership program description from our official academic catalog.

Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses

Sample 1 Year Sequence of Courses
FallSpring

OLP 111
OLP 112
OLP 116 or OLP 150
OLP 143
OLP 246 (could count as one of the two required 200-level course elective)

OLP 210
OLP 120
OLP 216
OLP 201
At least 1 from OLP 230, 231, 234, 239
OLP 147, 148, 149, 150 (optional)

Sample 2 Year Sequence of Courses
Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

OLP 111
OLP 112
OLP 116 or OLP 150

OLP 210
OLP 120
At least 1 from OLP 230, 231, 234, 239
OLP 147, 148, 149, 150 (optional electives)

OLP 143
OLP 246 (200 level course elective)

OLP 216
OLP 201
At least 1 from OLP 230, 231, 234, 239
OLP 147, 148, 149, 150 (optional electives)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing a course of study in this program will be able to:
  • Plan, conduct, and evaluate a wide range of safe and educationally effective adventure experiences.
  • Demonstrate personal and professional competency in leadership skills, techniques, and methods of instruction
  • Demonstrate technical competency in a range of adventure sport activities and environments
  • Assess and facilitate individual and group dynamics during field experiences with diverse client populations and peer groups
  • Work effectively and collaboratively in co-leader and team situations
  • Plan and prepare for personal and program wilderness rescue responses in a wide range of hazardous environments
  • Identify and implement effective institutional risk mitigation methods
  • Plan, conduct and evaluate a range of interactive, outdoor-based experiences for diverse populations
  • Model professional and environmentally sound ethics and practices
  • Identify and effectively utilize a range of information sources available to the adventure industry
  • Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate professional organizations, certifications, memberships, and networking practices

What's Next

Students are prepared to work in outdoor centers and organizations, paddling schools, outdoor schools such as NOLS and Outward Bound, human services organizations, educational institutions that utilize adventure, and a diverse variety of recreational programs and businesses. Students may transfer OLP credits to other multi-year degree programs in Adventure Education or Outdoor Education. Students with previous career skills may combine those with current technical training towards entrepreneurial ventures, counseling, or other specialized fields. Students may also choose to continue studies in outdoor education, adventure recreation, natural or social sciences, and a myriad of related fields.