Outdoor Education

The Minor

The Minor in Outdoor Education is offered in cooperation with the Wilderness and Education programs at Earlham College. The program is designed to prepare students for a leadership role in the professional field of Outdoor Education. Through a combination of coursework and experiential learning, the Minor emphasizes educational and environmental theory, interpersonal and leadership skills, and an introduction to technical skills such as backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing and caving.

Required Coursework

The following courses are required of all Outdoor Education minors:

  • A Theory Core provides a foundational understanding of educational and environmental theory:

    • EDUC 120 Foundations of Education OR
      EDUC 248 Theory and Practice

    • EDUC/ENPR 220 Wilderness Ethics OR
      ENG/ENPR 305 American Literature and Ecology

    • EDUC 210 Introduction to Outdoor Education

  • A Practice Core builds competence and confidence through experiential field work:

    • EDUC 211 Wilderness First Aid and Emergency Care OR
      obtain Wilderness First Responder Certification (WFR)

    • AWPE 300-level Wilderness Field Seminars (4 total)

    • EDUC 311 Advanced Field Practicum (May Term or approved alternative)

    • EDUC 481 Field Experience

  • Electives: Two additional courses chosen from:

    • GEOS 111 Environmental Geosciences

    • GEOS 211 Physical Geology

    • CHEM 111 General Chemistry

    • BIO 111 Ecological Biology

    • BIO 226 Biological Diversity

    • BIO 348 Ornithology

    • PAGS 343 Conflict Resolution

    • Other courses by faculty permission only.