Adventure Education

  • Overview

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 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

    OLP 112
    OLP 111
    OLP 150 or OLP 116
    OLP 143
    MAT course other than developmental, MAT 105, or MAT 106

    OLP 210
    OLP 120
    BIO 104
    ENG 101
    Humanities general education elective
    3 credit Behavioral/Social Sciences general education elective

    OLP 246 (200 level course elective)
    4 credit BIO, CHE, GEO, PHY, SCI, or EGR course
    ENG 112, 114, or 116
    Humanities general education elective
    3 credits ANT, ECO, EVS, POL, PSY, or SOC 101

    OLP electives (optional)
    At least 2 from OLP 201, OLP 230, 231, 234, or 239
    OLP 216
    3 credits ANT, ECO, EVS, POL, PSY, or SOC 101
    Humanities general education elective

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

    OLP 112
    OLP 111
    BIO 104

    OLP 210
    ENG 101
    Humanities general education elective

    OLP 116 or OLP 150
    OLP 143
    Humanities general education elective

    OLP elective (optional)
    OLP 120
    Humanities general education elective
    MAT course other than developmental, MAT 105, or MAT 106

    Fall 3Spring 3Fall 4Spring 4

    OLP 246 (200 level course elective)
    3 credits ANT, ECO, EVS, POL, PSY, or SOC 101

    At least one from OLP 201, 230, 231, 234, or 239
    OLP 216
    ENG 112, 114, or 116

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

    4 credit BIO, CHE, GEO, PHY, SCI, or EGR course

Student 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 competency in leadership skills, techniques, and methods of instruction
  • Demonstrate technical competency in a range of adventure sport activities and environments
  • Assess and manage individual and group dynamics during field experiences with diverse client populations
  • 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, nature-based experiences for diverse populations
  • Model environmentally sound ethics and practices
  • Identify and utilize a range of information sources available to the adventure industry
  • Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate professional organizations, certifications, and memberships
Spring 2014

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.