Outdoor Education.

Degree Overview

Outdoor Education (CIP 31.0601) is an interdisciplinary field focused on teaching, learning, and personal development through direct experiences in natural and outdoor environments. It combines education, environmental studies, recreation, leadership, and experiential learning to help individuals build skills, confidence, and environmental awareness outside of traditional classroom settings. This degree is designed for students who believe that some of the most powerful learning happens through hands-on experience, challenge, and connection with nature.

For a degree search site, Outdoor Education appeals to students who enjoy the outdoors, value experiential learning, and want careers that combine teaching, leadership, and environmental stewardship. As schools, nonprofits, and communities increasingly recognize the benefits of outdoor learning for mental health, teamwork, and environmental responsibility, professionals in this field play a vital role in developing resilient, capable, and environmentally conscious individuals.

What Is an Outdoor Education Degree?

An Outdoor Education degree is an applied, experiential program that uses outdoor settings as the primary learning environment. Students learn how to design, facilitate, and evaluate educational experiences that take place in nature—such as wilderness programs, outdoor classrooms, camps, and adventure-based learning environments.

Rather than focusing solely on environmental knowledge, outdoor education emphasizes:

• Experiential and adventure-based learning
• Leadership and group facilitation
• Environmental awareness and stewardship
• Risk management and outdoor safety
• Personal growth and social development

Universities offer this degree to:

• Prepare educators and leaders for outdoor and experiential learning roles
• Train professionals for camps, schools, and nonprofit organizations
• Support careers in environmental education and youth development
• Develop applied skills in leadership, teaching, and program management

Programs typically include extensive fieldwork, certifications, and practical training.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how to teach and lead in outdoor environments while managing risk, fostering learning, and building strong group dynamics. You’ll study both educational theory and practical outdoor skills, learning how to adapt instruction to changing environments and participant needs.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Outdoor leadership and facilitation—guiding groups safely and effectively
• Experiential teaching methods—learning through direct experience
• Environmental interpretation—teaching ecological and environmental concepts
• Risk management and safety—assessing hazards and managing emergencies
• Program planning and logistics—organizing outdoor courses and trips
• Group dynamics and communication—building trust and teamwork
• Adaptability and decision-making—responding to changing conditions
• Ethical and inclusive leadership—ensuring safe, respectful learning environments

These skills are highly transferable to education, leadership, and community-based careers.

Topics You May Explore

Coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:

• Foundations of Outdoor and Experiential Education: learning theory and practice
• Environmental and Nature Education: ecology and environmental literacy
• Adventure Education: challenge-based and team-building programs
• Outdoor Skills: navigation, camping, climbing, paddling, or wilderness travel
• Risk Management and Wilderness Safety: first aid, emergency response, and planning
• Youth Development and Education: learning and growth across ages
• Program Design and Evaluation: curriculum and outcomes assessment
• Leadership and Facilitation: communication and group leadership
• Environmental Ethics and Stewardship: responsible outdoor practice

Many programs require certifications such as Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

An Outdoor Education degree prepares students for hands-on, people-focused careers. Advancement often depends on experience, certifications, and leadership ability.

Common career paths include:

• Outdoor Educator or Instructor: leading field-based learning programs
• Environmental Education Specialist: teaching conservation and ecology
• Camp Director or Program Coordinator: managing outdoor programs
• Adventure Program Leader: guiding challenge-based experiences
• Park or Nature Center Educator: teaching in protected areas
• Youth Development or Experiential Learning Coordinator: supporting growth-focused programs
• Recreation or Outdoor Program Manager: overseeing outdoor activities
• Graduate or Professional School Path: preparing for education or environmental leadership roles

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in organizations that use outdoor environments for education:

• Outdoor and environmental education centers
• Public and private schools
• Camps and youth development organizations
• Parks, nature preserves, and nature centers
• Nonprofit environmental organizations
• Adventure and experiential learning companies
• Community and recreation organizations

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary based on role, sector, and location.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level outdoor education roles: often $30,000–$45,000
• Program coordinators or educators: commonly $40,000–$65,000
• Program directors or managers: often $60,000–$85,000+

Non-monetary rewards—such as meaningful work and lifestyle fit—are often major benefits of this field.

Is This Degree Hard?

Outdoor Education is considered physically and mentally demanding. While academic requirements are manageable, students must be comfortable with outdoor conditions, physical exertion, and responsibility for group safety. Fieldwork can involve long hours, travel, and unpredictable environments.

Students who enjoy challenge, adaptability, and experiential learning typically thrive.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Love being outdoors and working in nature
• Enjoy teaching, mentoring, and leadership
• Value experiential, hands-on learning
• Are interested in environmental stewardship
• Prefer meaningful, people-centered careers

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for an outdoor education program:

• Take environmental science, biology, and education-related courses
• Participate in outdoor activities, clubs, or sports
• Develop strong leadership and communication skills
• Learn basic navigation, first aid, or outdoor skills
• Volunteer with camps, parks, or youth programs

Outdoor Education (CIP 31.0601) is a purpose-driven degree for students who believe learning should extend beyond classroom walls. It prepares graduates to educate, lead, and inspire others through meaningful experiences in the outdoors—fostering personal growth, environmental awareness, and lifelong connection to nature.