Outdoor Education

Why Study Outdoor Education?

Minor | Education/Health and Human Performance | CEBAH

UW-River Falls offers a minor in outdoor education for students interested in utilizing outdoor and adventure experiences to promote both personal growth and group development. The program provides a broad foundation of courses, activities and hands-on learning experiences in a variety of outdoor and adventure settings.

Apply Request Information Degree Requirements

Living and Learning Communities

20+

Countries Represented in the Student Body

67%

Of Students Received Financial Aid in 2022-2023

The outdoor education program prepared me to pursue teaching within and beyond the classroom. The interpersonal skills I gained from the program made me a better teacher and leader. Today, I am a high school social studies teacher in rural Alaska. This year I started an Outdoor Adventures class that gets students learning beyond the traditional brick and mortar setting. Just like the outdoor education program was the highlight of my undergrad, teaching Outdoor Adventures is the highlight of my school day.

Ashley Kramer ‘19

paul.shirilla@uwrf.edu // 715-425-3226

Your Degree:

Undergraduate

Area of Study:

Education/Health and Human Performance

Estimate Your Cost

A male student uses climbing equipment to climb a small cliff and smiles up at the camera

Skills and Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of safety and risk management best practices, as well as outdoor education learning theories.
Hone broadly applicable lifetime skills including leadership, facilitation, decision-making and communication skills.
Develop professional ethics, understand the importance of sustainability and respect for concepts like Leave No Trace.
Foster your connection to nature and acquire or improve a wide breadth of outdoor skills.

Types of Courses

Foundations of Outdoor Leadership
Leadership in School-Based Adventure Education
Outdoor Education Summer Concepts and Skills
Outdoor Education Winter Concepts and Skills
Recreational Climbing
Sport, Fitness and Recreation Management
Backpacking/Wilderness Awareness
Canoeing
Wilderness First Responder Certification

Four students pose while cross country skiing in a forest

A student uses ice picks to climb up a frozen waterfall

Potential Careers

A minor in outdoor education is an excellent complement to many majors, including health and physical education, exercise and sport science, social work, conservation and environmental planning and more. Depending on your interests and major, you may find work in a variety of roles, including: