Can you make the commitment?

Adventure educators typically don’t have 8-to-5 jobs. We are often out 24/7. Similarly, many of the Adventure Education skill and field-based courses meet all afternoon, over weekends, and at other times that do not match the traditional college schedule. For example, you may have a paddling class or rock climbing class that meets Monday and Wednesdays, 12:30 to 6:00 PM, plus Saturdays and Sundays 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You need to show up alert, ready to learn, and practice safety. 

The immersion/block semester requires your total 24/7 involvement for weeks at a time. This schedule and time commitment may not allow you to participate in an athletic team or hold a part-time job some semesters.

Is Adventure Education the right match for you?

 Probably YES if . . . 

  • You want to be an educator, using adventure activities to help others learn about the environment, develop trust, confidence, teamwork, problem solving, communication, and leadership skills.
  • You are intellectually curious, and want to learn the “why” behind the “what.” Adventure Education courses involve lots of reading, writing, critical thinking, research and analytical skills.
  • You are interested in education as much as adventure. You are academically motivated, ready to commit 20-30 hours a week outside of class reading, writing, doing group projects, and preparing for class.

 Probably NO if . . . 

  • You want to be a climbing guide, raft guide, hunting or fishing guide. Although guides might do some teaching, you don’t need a college degree to be a guide.
  • You just want to be outside or you think Adventure Education is “camping for credit.” Of the 120 credits required for a B.A. degree in Adventure Education, 24 credits (20%) are outdoor skills or field-based courses. The rest occur in classrooms.
  • You are more interested in partying and playing. Remember, you need at least a 2.5 GPA and C+ in your first two AE courses (including AE 101) to continue as an AE major.

Some of the books you'll be reading . . .

Adventure Education Text Books