The Adventure and Outdoor Programming emphasis area focuses on preparing students to facilitate hands-on learning activities in a variety of settings. This track provides students with the opportunities to develop skills in group dynamics and leadership, business administration, educational philosophy, and teaching and communication. Students also have the opportunity to acquire and enhance outdoor and environmental skills and knowledge related to a wide variety of populations. Specialized skills within this emphasis include sequencing, facilitation, and processing of activities, with specific attention to the transfer of learning from contrived experiences to the "real lives" of participants. In addition, the abilities to safely engage in and provide outdoor recreation activities, manage risk, and effectively teach skills in an outdoor or experiential setting are central to the field of Adventure and Outdoor Programming. Ideal student attributes include a love of and desire to serve people, the ability to improvise, the ability to function effectively under pressure, and the ability to recognize and manage safety concerns. Potential employers of students completing degrees with this emphasis include: the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound, or other expedition programs; guide services; residential and/or expedition-based therapeutic wilderness programs or camps; day, residential, or environmental camps for "traditional" or special populations; community recreation centers and programs (such as Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, S'PLORE, etc); ropes courses and other challenge and adventure facilities; employment with school districts, and more...

Our department serves as the credit granting body for NOLS - meaning that students who take NOLS courses for college credit earn University of Utah credit to transfer to their home schools. This unique relationship offers a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from the leader in wilderness education. A partial scholarship will soon be available for a PRT student to enroll on a NOLS course for credit. For more information about this opportunity, contact the Adventure and Outdoor Programming Coordinator or the department's NOLS liaison.

For information about required courses for the Adventure and Outdoor Programming emphasis, please look at the Degree Plan below and if you have more questions, please contact:

Betsy Cook
Academic Advisor and Internship Coordinator
Phone: (801) 581-8215
Email: elizabeth.cook@health.utah.edu

Adventure and Outdoor Planning Degree Plans

• AOP 2007-2008