Outdoor Studies

Outdoor Studies
Bachelor of Science

Division of Professional Studies

Outdoor studies is one of several Department of Outdoor, Sport, and Recreation Studies degrees offered at YHC. Outdoor studies provides a foundation in the philosophical, theoretical, and practical aspects of outdoor, environmental, and experiential leadership, education, and practice.

The Department of Outdoor, Sport, and Recreation Studies majors are all built on the same liberal arts core and afford opportunities for students to craft academic pathways that work across disciplines and offer course work in concentrated themes where no major exists.

When viewing requirements for your major, please select appropriate catalog year.

Outdoor Studies is also offered as a minor.

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What classes will you take?

  • A diverse set of classes in the liberal arts core
  • Health & Wellness; Media Communication; Sociology; Human Growth & Development; Sport & Recreation in Society; Group Development; and Statistics
  • Major classes in Outdoor Studies, including:
    • Outdoor Risk Management: This course will identify the primary components of risk management within outdoor contexts and settings. Students are equipped with the basic knowledge necessary to manage legal risk associated with outdoor pursuits. Students attain professionally relevant certifications and/or trainings to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies in field-based risk management practices. 
    • Leadership in Wilderness Contexts: This course focuses on leadership and group dynamics pertinent to wilderness settings and outdoor programs. Experiences ground application of theoretical foundations in small group dynamics, communication, problem solving, decision-making, group roles, expeditionary management, leadership roles and styles. This course involves field based practice and learning.
    • Environmental Stewardship & Interpretation: Exploration of the philosophical foundations of environmental stewardship and interpretation, as well as practical approaches for their application in outdoor contexts. Students will examine and develop ethical bases for land use and preservation, integrating environmental stewardship and interpretation into a personal and professional ethic. This course involves field based practice and learning.

What can you do with a degree in outdoor studies?

Outdoor studies prepares you for a range of graduate school and career options, in particular in areas focused on recreational, educational, developmental, and therapeutic settings. Graduates of the program have gone on to serve as Outdoor Adventure Coordinators for municipal parks and recreation programs, Program Coordinator for Watershed and Conservation organizations, team lead for international chemical company, National Park Service Ranger/Interpreter, Adventure Therapy Field Instructor, Field Instructor for Environmental Education School, and Special Events Coordinator and Non-Profit Chief Operating Officer.