Outdoor Adventure Leadership - UC

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services

About This Certificate

The Outdoor Adventure Leadership (OAL) Certificate at Utah State University prepares students for careers in the outdoor recreation industry by providing hands-on leadership experiences in wilderness and adventure settings.

USU is renowned for its proximity to diverse outdoor environments—mountains, deserts, and rivers—making it an ideal location for those pursuing a career in outdoor leadership. With access to award-winning faculty, field-based learning opportunities, and strong industry connections, this certificate equips students with practical skills and leadership strategies that are highly valued by employers in the outdoor recreation sector.

What You Will Learn

Students in the OAL Certificate program will gain critical competencies in outdoor leadership, including wilderness navigation, risk management, group facilitation, and environmental stewardship.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through real-world outdoor adventures, ensuring that students develop both technical outdoor skills and the leadership abilities needed to guide teams in various natural environments. Additionally, students will learn about safety protocols, ethical considerations in outdoor recreation, and strategies for fostering inclusive and responsible outdoor experiences.

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

  • Outdoor Program Coordinator
  • Wilderness Guide
  • Adventure Tour Leader
  • Environmental Educator
  • Camp Director
  • Outdoor Recreation Manager
  • Park Ranger
  • Expedition Leader

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

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