Overview of Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is a form of experiential learning defined as educational experiences that take place in the outdoors—from mountain top to seashore, in parks, forests, wildlands, and urban contexts. Experiences vary in scope from day trips and activities like rock climbing, skiing and mountain biking to semester-long accredited courses and even longer programs. Outdoor Education is offered in grade schools, traditional college or university settings, and post-graduate programs worldwide. Outdoor Education is also referred to as Adventure Education, Adventure Learning, Expeditionary Learning, or Adventure Programming, amongst other titles.

Career Opportunities associated with Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is an increasingly popular field of study and career path. Professionals in Outdoor Education can find themselves teaching in grade schools, middle schools, high schools, universities, and outdoors centers. They can work for non-profits, outdoor gear companies, universities, and government agencies. There are also career opportunities in leadership, consultant services, research, and organizational development. There are also opportunities to become a guide, recreation drive, trip leader, or wilderness contact, to name a few.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities Related to Outdoor Education

Many universities and credit-granting institutions offer internships, co-ops, experiential learning trips, and service-learning opportunities for those interested in outdoor education. Many colleges also offer specialized programs, such as the American Canoe Association’s Outdoor Recreation Leadership College, where students can focus on topics like geology, biology, conservation and restoration, outdoor communication and facilitation, and outdoor leadership. These internships and co-ops can lead to great job opportunities down the line.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Outdoor Education

There are a variety of specialized tracks and concentrations available in Outdoor Education, depending on the university or college offering them. These concentrations can range from nature and outdoor Recreation Leadership, Human-Powered Adventure, and Outdoor Education Leadership & Administration to Non-Profit Business & Outdoor Education Administration, Outdoor Emergency Care, and Leadership & Adventure Guides. The concentrations available can vary depending on the institution.

How Outdoor Education Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Outdoor Education provides students with the tools and skills to be successful in graduate school and future education. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through internships, co-ops, and other experiential learning trips. Through participation in these, students grow as individuals and gain better insight into the world around them. Additionally, outdoor education provides students with problem-solving and collaborative skills, which are beneficial when attending higher education.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Outdoor Education

The advancement of applications of artificial intelligence are beginning to trickle into the field of Outdoor Education. Artificial intelligence can be used to quickly collect and analyze data on the environment, so outdoor educators can better assess the safety and risks associated with their field trips for students. AI is helping increase efficiency, automate certain activities, and create specific targeting of feedback for individuals in outdoor education programs. This technology is still in its infancy, and will continue to have an impact on the field as it become more advanced.

The Career Outlook for Outdoor Education

The career outlook for outdoor education is strong and expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of recreational and amusement attendants, including outdoor educators, is projected to grow 13 percent between 2018 and 2028, with the lowest job opportunities being found in residential regions. Many positions in outdoor education are also dependent on the seasons, and can be limited in certain climates. There is high demand for outdoor educators in the travel, adventure, and recreation industries, as well as post-secondary institutions.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Outdoor Education:

Northern Vermont University, Salary: $32,524

Fort Lewis College, Salary: $23,048

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Education.