Outdoor Education

Do you dream of a career you can spend in nature, or one that doesn't require a desk? If so, have you considered majoring in outdoor education? You'll learn about wilderness survival skills, group processes, leadership, and environmental studies. You can also take courses that focus on other recreational activities including backpacking, canoeing, ropes courses, and rock climbing. After completing the outdoor education major, your knowledge will be diverse. However, this alone will not lead to a successful career. Most outdoor education majors should take advantage of internship programs to get hands-on experience in the field. Depending on the field you wish to specialize in, the major will focus on preparing you to work as an instructor, facilitator or educator in camps, parks, recreational facilities, and other outdoor settings.

Create a free account to find, finance and attend the college that's right for you.

Colleges

Central Michigan University

Originally founded as a teachers college, Central Michigan University has grown to become a 4-year public research institution. CMU encompasses eight colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic programs. In addition, CMU is home to...

“…

Having only been at Central Michigan University for a year, I feel like I have learned so much. Not only are students taught so much in the classroom, they learn through volunteering and getting involved on campus.

” – Samantha from White Cloud, MI
Liberty University

Liberty University is a Christian institution located in Lynchburg, VA. The 7,000-acre campus hosts more than 550 programs of study within its 17 colleges and schools. LU's mission of creating "Champions for Christ" is encouarged through the...

“…

This campus is very large, 5,000 acres, and has many colleges and majors to offer. Not only will I excel in academia, but I will learn good time management, and real life knowledge.

” – Alicia from Camp Hill, PA
Western Carolina University

Situated near the Great Smoky Mountains, Western Carolina University is a public school in the University of North Carolina system with three campus locations. WCU features six colleges granting bachelor’s degrees encompassing over 120 majors, minors...

“…

The class size average is about 30 students which is good for student-professor relationships. You are able to get to know your professor in a setting not much different from high school. Professors strive to make time for your questions and want to...

” – Hannah from Clemmons, NC
Salisbury University

Salisbury University is a 4-year public institution on Maryland’s eastern shore and a member of the University System of Maryland. Salisbury is home to colleges of Education, Business, Science, Liberal Arts, and Health conferring undergraduate...

“…

This is a beautiful, academically challenging school. The amenities offered are great, and almost all of the dorms are nice. It is situated only 30 minutes from ocean city, but aside from that, there isn't much to do around here.

” – Jessica from Laurel, MD
Weber State University

Founded in 1889, Weber State University is a 4-year public school in northern Utah. Weber State awards undergraduate degrees and certificates in over 225 academic programs with a focus on integrating scholarship and community. For recreation, Weber...

“…

The teachers and ambassadors know what they are talking about. I've never been in a place where everyone knows everything about how to survive. No one has been left in the dark.

” – Karyn from Provo, UT
SUNY Cortland

Originally founded as the Cortland Normal School, SUNY Cortland is a 4-year public university in central New York State and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Cortland offers bachelor’s degrees in 65 academic majors and 38 minors...

“…

I wanted to attend a school that has a strong education program. I did my research, applied to SUNY Cortland and was accepted. This is my first semester and I thoroughly enjoy being at SUNY Cortland with the Red Dragons.

” – Zhane from Springfield Gardens, NY
Fort Lewis College

Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts institution based in Durango, Colorado. It is a designated Native American-serving institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The school permits qualified Native American students to attend tuition...

“…

Durango is a beautiful place!

” – Brittany from Thornton, CO
Murray State University

Murray State University is a 4-year public school in southwest Kentucky. Murray State is home to six colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in 126 academic programs. For students interested in the performing arts, Murray State mounts an...

“…

No matter what school you choose be sure to get involved in some way, it makes college much more enjoyable and Murray is a great place to get involved.

” – Kayley from Morganfield, KY
Hampshire College

Founded as a home for new ideas in higher education, Hampshire College is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Massachusetts. Hampshire challenges all students to create an individualized curriculum culminating in a year-long advanced study...

“…

You'll be stressed, and getting through the Hampshire system does take a lot of work and patience, but if you put in the time you'll learn so much you can't even fathom it.

” – Eliza from Columbia, MD
Plymouth State University

At Plymouth State, you will actively learn with faculty and students, not just within your major but from diverse disciplines and with partners such as businesses and organizations, getting real-world, resume-boosting experience. The Plymouth State...

“…

I've only completed my first semester, but I've learned so much. I took a class called Environmental Geography. I knew that the world had it's problems, but this course really opened my eyes to the real problems of the world. I also took a course...

” – Esia from Hudson, NH
Minnesota State University-Mankato

Originally founded as Mankato Normal School, Minnesota State University-Mankato is a 4-year public school overlooking the Blue Earth River valley in central Minnesota. MSU Mankato operates six colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in 130 fields of...

“…

You are able to learn the material in a matter of time and your time will not be wasted. The professors are willing to schedule days in which they can give you one on one help. There will be a lot of information that comes at once that you will need...

” – Antonio from Minneapolis, MN
New England College

New England College (NEC) is an accredited, private, non-profit college founded in 1946 that offers on campus and online degrees for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. The main campus in Henniker, New Hampshire, features a quintessential...

“…

The people here at NEC are known for their competition on the court and on the books. Making it a great place for people with competitive edge in them

” – Orion - Jersey City, NJ
Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University is a 4-year liberal arts institution situated on 123 acres of land in Spearfish, South Dakota. Through its three colleges, BHSU offers more than 120 majors and minors, as well as three honors tracks. Students can complete...

“…

I've only been here at Black Hills State for 2 months, however I have been learning a lot and the classes and class sizes are very accomidating and not too long or overcrowded.

” – LeeSah from Spearfish, SD
Prescott College

Prescott College is a private, non-profit, liberal arts college located in Prescott, Arizona. With a focus on social justice and the environment, the college favors intellectual exploration and community over academic hierarchy. Resident students at...

“…

This school offers me the ability to apply all of the courses I take, directly to my life experience as Galadriel. I can so easily make the connections between my courses and how they all work together to formulate the degree of my dream: Holistic...

” – Ariel from Wolfeboro, NH
Colorado Christian University

Faith and learning; at Colorado Christian University, we prefer the combination. With more than 100 majors, minors, and emphases to choose from, you'll integrate dynamic learning with rock-solid faith, and begin to discern God's plan for your life...

“…

The Professors are all very well educated and deeply care that students are keeping the knowledge they gain from the classes throughout life.

” – Katherine from Colorado Springs, CO
Unity College
New Gloucester, ME
College placeholder image

Unity College, “America’s Environmental College,” is located in Unity, Maine, and was founded in 1965. Sitting within three climate zones, UC is comprised of 225 acres and features a liberal arts education in environmentally focused majors...

“…

Unity College is hands on learning based. They put you out in your field of study and relate all subjects to the environment.

” – Jordan from Johnsburg, IL
University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution in the city of Anchorage. The campus is surrounded by lakes, ponds, and mountains, but has a trail system that  connects the university to midtown Anchorage. Top fields of study include...

“…

The learning experience is amazing. The professors know what they are teaching and enjoy teaching it. Some of them are born and raised in Alaska so they can help you out. The other students are a big help as well.

” – Haley from Kodiak, AK
College placeholder image

Young Harris College is a private liberal arts school situated in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. All undergraduate students must complete a core curriculum that includes public speaking and...

“…

Young Harris is a top of the notch learning school. With small class sizes professors are ablet to get to know the students on individual basis and help them with their needs. They have excellent tutoring programs and the best academic services.

” – Hannah from Hiram, GA
Northland College

With campus a short distance from the shores of Lake Superior, Northland College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northern Wisconsin dedicated to sustainability and the environment. Northland confers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic...

“…

The level and sophistication of the academic program at Northland is outstanding. The professors are always willing to provide any assistance and they want to see their students succeed. They push you to do your best in order to become a more...

” – Abby from Bloomington, IL
College placeholder image

Mt Hood Community College is a public, 2-year institution located primarily in Gresham, Oregon, with a satellite location in Portland. The campus features a wide variety of facilities for students to visit, such as the Visual Arts Center Gallery, the...

“…

Some classes have challenged me, but in many others, I have to challenge myself to grow. In some of the introductory courses, it would not take much effort to receive an A in the class. Doing the minimum will hurt you in the long run though.

” – Bryan from Gresham, OR
College placeholder image

John Brown University is an independent Christian institution focused on liberal arts, sciences, and professional skills. JBU is based in the rural town of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and is rated as having “more selective” admissions. JBU operates an...

“…

JBU is amazing from what I have read, saw on virtual tour, and heard. the people there are from all over the country. It is a religious school, so (as at all schools) I am sure there will be SOME drinking, but when you go there, you sign an agreement...

” – Crystal from W. MIDDLESEX, PA
College placeholder image

North Idaho College is a two-year community college based in Coeur d’Alene, ID. NIC offers transfer degrees, professional and technical certifications, and associate degrees. Many students choose to study communications, computer programming, or...

“…

I learned a lot already as a dual enrolled student and now as a full time current student. So many degrees to choose from and many choices for electives. The teachers here are amazing and most are willing to work with you one on one or help set up...

” – Savannah from Post Falls, ID
Asbury University

Founded in 1890, Asbury University is a multi-denominational Christian liberal arts college in central Kentucky. Asbury is home to 15 academic departments conferring undergrad degrees in over 150 fields of study, including the only Equine Studies...

“…

Although it depends on the class and the professor, you will definitely walk away with more than one thing you never knew from each course. Each of the professors have their unique touch in the classroom, and it fascinates me to know how educated...

” – Emily from Strathmore, CA
Westminster College

Westminster University is a 4-year liberal arts institution located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 32-acre campus is just 10 minutes from the downtown business district and features five undergraduate colleges, as well as four graduate institutions...

“…

Westminster College is a very challenging school. I feel like I am learning so much more than I would be in a larger school because I am able to interact with other students and professors both during and after classes. All of the professors have...

” – Karen from West Jordan, UT
College placeholder image

Montreat College is a private Christian liberal arts institution that is overseen by a chaplain and a Spiritual Life Committee made up of students and faculty. The campus features a chapel that offers dorm Bible studies, vespers, and prayer groups...

“…

It's a small school, so classes are small and it's easy to be engaged in class. Your professors will really make an effort to invest in you, and I'm sure you'll glance many of them outside the classroom. Most professors have great office hours and...

” – Ellen from Newfane, NY
College placeholder image

With campus a short drive from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Rogue Community College is a 2-year institution in southern Oregon. RCC is home to 51 academic departments hosting degree and certificate-granting programs. Utilizing its wooded...

“…

great college, great instructor

” – Mary from Medford, OR
College placeholder image

Alaska Pacific University is a small, private institution established in the city of Anchorage. APU’s scenic campuses consist of a main campus with 175 acres of wooded land, and a remote, 900-acre education center located on a private farm in the...

“…

Very open and largely discussion based courses

” – William from Anchorage, AK
Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Toccoa, Georgia. The college is situated on a 1,100-acre campus near the Chattahoochee National Forest, with its namesake, the Toccoa Falls, occupying space on the college...

“…

Toccoa's a great place to get away from the hurry and scurry of life and focus on God, fellowship, and academics. It's only 1.5 hours from Atlanta and an hour from Greenville, SC, so you can still get to civilization when you want it! Great...

” – Becca from Savannah, GA
Gordon College

Gordon College is a nondenominational Christian liberal arts college in Wenham, Massachusetts. Gordon offers undergraduate degrees in 30 academic majors as well as the new Center for Career and Connection Institute to help students create life plans...

“…

Being at a Christian Liberal Arts school allows me to explore a wide variety of issues regarding faith and practice, while integrating course material in daily life.

” – Teresa from Lake Saint Louis, MO
College placeholder image

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi is a technology-focused institution based in the Catskill Mountains. SUNY Delhi offers bachelor and associate degree programs as well as one-year technical certifications. Noted programs include culinary arts, golf...

“…

Most of my classes are great because my professors are knowledgeable, but you always run the risk of being in class with people who just don't want to be there in college and that kinda ruins the experience.

” – Amanda
College placeholder image

Cecil College is a public, 2-year institution established on a rural, 170-acre campus in North East, Maryland. Cecil offers over 90 associate degree and certificate programs, with flexible learning options including Accelerated Studies, eLearning...

“…

This college is beautiful and they have a wide range of courses for students to take no matter what your major is.

” – Jasmine from Elkton, MD
College placeholder image

Adirondack Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Queensbury, New York. Students attending SUNY Adirondack have access to the college’s recently-renovated library, which is home to hundreds of thousands of resources...

“…

This college is has a great variety of classes, clubs, and activities. Yes, it is small, but you get a lot out of it. The professors are very professional and the campus is small enough to an extent where you could find your classes very easy. I...

” – Anonymous Student
Sterling College
Craftsbury Common, VT
Sterling College

Sterling College is an environmentally-focused college in northern Vermont and the only work college in New England. Sterling confers bachelor’s degrees in Ecology, Environmental Humanities, Sustainable Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and...

College placeholder image

Touro University Nevada is a private, graduate education institution established in Henderson and is a member of The Touro College and University System. The college offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs for students aiming to become...

“…

Great academic atmosphere. Top-notch professors and evidence-based learning/practice. Best choice of my life was to attend Touro.

” – John from Henderson, NV
College placeholder image

Vermilion Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on an 80-acre campus nearby the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, Minnesota. Vermilion offers over 25 associate’s degree and certificate programs, including unique...

College placeholder image

Northern Vermont University Johnson is a public, 4-year institution established on a rural, 350-acre campus in Lamoille County. NVU Johnson offers nearly 40 major and minor areas of study, four graduate areas of study, and a variety of licensure and...

College placeholder image

With campus in the heart of Nantahala National Forest, Southwestern Community College is a 2-year college in southwest North Carolina. SCC offers degree and certificate programs in Health Sciences, Career Technologies, and Arts & Sciences, as well as...

“…

Going to Southwestern Community College has increased my knowledge on a lot of things. Although many people tend to write off community colleges as being a tier below a four year university, this school really does a good job in teaching you your...

” – Daniel from Bryson City, NC