BA MAJOR & MINOR

What You’ll Study

Outdoor Leadership is more than technical skills training. It’s a liberal arts discipline that combines those outdoor skills (like backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and rock climbing) with theory and practice in interpersonal communication, behavioral science, counseling, and being a leader.

You’ll take courses in topics like:

Moral and ethical responsibilities of leadership
Shaping public attitudes toward the environment
Education and facilitation techniques
Examining and adapting to various group dynamics
Conflict resolution
Backcountry medical protocols
Technical Skills such as paddling and rock climbing
Challenge course facilitation and management
History and philosophy behind adventure education

You’ll also complete an internship with an organization of your choice.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Outdoor Leadership?

Our goal is to prepare leaders who can analyze, plan, implement, administer, and supervise outdoor adventure education programs of all kinds.

Some of our graduates go into program leadership and administration at outdoor centers, working for park services, colleges and universities, or non-profits. Others become instructors for historically underserved populations and people with disabilities. And some go into the adventure travel and tourism industry, working as guides and program directors for eco-tours, travel companies, resorts, and hotels.

No matter what path you choose to follow, the interdisciplinary curriculum and hands-on experience from our work and service programs will prepare you for it.

Whether you’re a river guide in Denali or a wilderness instructor at a local summer camp, your internship will set you up with mind-opening experiences you can’t get in a class.

We learn how to effectively use group activities and games to encourage teamwork and trust. This concept is genius. People like to have fun, and people generally do not equate learning with fun. As a matter of fact, we are learning.

Missy Levine, Outdoor Leadership alumna

Explore Classes in This Program

Practice the skills you’ll need to become a great backcountry instructor. You’ll hone outdoor skills, practice on special equipment, learn safety and risk management techniques, and focus on teaching them to groups.

Why do we often feel better when we are outside, near plants, or we have a window to look outside? We’ll explore current research regarding human-natural environment interactions, with a focus on the how the natural world impacts collective health and well-being.

In this course, you will examine the theories, practices, and problems of leadership in outdoor adventure programming. You’ll also complete direct, first-hand experiences where you will be expected to plan and be in a leadership position in the classroom.

Still curious? See the Curriculum

It is through Warren Wilson students that my impact in this world is both magnified and transformed. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such an idealistic, compassionate, and hard-working community.

Jill Overholt, Ph.D.

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The best part of the job is watching students graduate with a strong portfolio of experiences and find meaningful work connecting people to places.

Mallory McDuff, Ph.D.

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This is a community where students, faculty and staff can explore a wide range of interests. It's exciting to work with students on issues where they are passionate and help them fuse these interests with education, community engagement and work experience.

Justinn Steffe, MBA

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Faculty Member Matthew Vossler stands smiling outside of Orr Cottage.

Out of all of the schools and places I have had the honor to work, I have never experienced a sense of community like Warren Wilson. Not only is the campus beautiful, the community support and atmosphere here is unparalleled! I am happy to say that I have found my home!

Matt Vosler

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I am proud to be a part of a community driven by compassion and curiosity here at Warren Wilson. With small class sizes, I can offer individualized attention and build strong relationships with my students, helping them prepare for meaningful careers and adventures in the outdoors.

Eli Mills

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I enjoy working with students to create and run our programs, and seeing how they develop their confidence, leadership abilities and technical outdoor skills. Plus, we get to introduce our campus community to our beautiful mountains, rivers and lakes!

Bruce Hills, M.A.S.

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Warren Wilson students are adventurous, driven, and kind. It is a privilege to teach such inspiring people in such a beautiful place.

Nora Randolph

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I went to school at Warren Wilson and got to explore not only my academic interests, but my outdoor interests as well. I learned to paddle here, among other things, and I love being back giving folks the chance to explore and experience the outdoors in the setting I fell in love with these activities.

Alessia Faverio

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