Adventure Education

  • Overview
  • Stackables
Focuses on the development of critical, philosophical, and technical skills in the practice and methods of Adventure Education. Provides students with the skills and knowledge required to lead entry-level or above adventure programs and services. Students learn by doing—activities are primarily field-oriented, with hands-on training. The degree prepares students 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. Greenfield Community College’s outdoor leadership offerings are accredited by the Association for Experiential Education.

  • Please note that transfer to many four-year colleges and universities may require the completion of four sequential semesters of World Languages. Transfer specialists recommend using electives to start language requirements at the community college prior to transfer.

    Curriculum documents

    To plan degree 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 four semesters of full-time study over two years. 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 Adventure Education program in 4 semesters over 2 years of full-time study, or 8 semesters over 4 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 Adventure Education program description from our official academic catalog.

    Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses

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

    OLP 112 (Summer)
    OLP 111
    ENG 101
    BIO 104
    Humanities general education elective

    OLP 210

    OLP 210 (January)
    OLP 120
    OLP 230, 231, 234, 238, or 239
    4 credit BIO, CHE, GEO, PHY, SCI, or EGR course
    ENG 112, 114, or 116

    OLP 116 or OLP 150
    OLP 143
    MAT course
    3 credits ANT, ECO, EVS, POL, PSY, or SOC 101
    Humanities general education elective

    OLP 216
    OLP 230, 231, 234, 238, or 239
    3 credits ANT, ECO, EVS, POL, PSY, or SOC 101
    Humanities general education elective
    3 credit Behavioral/Social Sciences general education elective

    Sample 4 Year Sequence of Courses
    Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

    OLP 112 (Summer)
    OLP 111
    ENG 101

    OLP 210 (January)
    ENG 112, 114 or 116
    OLP 120

    OLP 143
    Humanities general education elective
    BIO 104

    Humanities general education elective
    MAT course

    Fall 3Spring 3Fall 4Spring 4

    OLP 116 or OLP 150
    3 credits ANT, ECO, EVS, POL, PSY, or SOC 101

    OLP 230, 231, 234, or 238
    OLP 216
    4 credit BIO, CHE, GEO, PHY, SCI, or EGR course

    3 credits ANT, ECO, EVS, POL, PSY or SOC 101
    3 credit Behavioral/Social Sciences general education elective

    OLP 230, 231, 234, 238, 239
    Humanities general education elective

Student learning outcomes

Students completing a course of study in this program will be able to:

What’s next

Students are prepared to work in outdoor centers and organizations, paddling schools, outdoor schools such as the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound, human services organizations, educational institutions that utilize adventure, and a diverse variety of recreational programs and businesses. Students may transfer 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 also choose to continue studies in outdoor education, adventure recreation, natural or social sciences, and a myriad of related fields.

The Adventure Education program has associated certificates that can “stack” into the degree. Depending on course selection, if you’re enrolled in this program you can earn one of the following certificates halfway through completing your degree:

These programs are a great way to increase your earning power and job potential with a marketable career certificate while you’re still working toward your degree. Work closely with your advisor to make sure you choose the right classes!

Learn more about our degree and certificate and pathways »