by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you have a passion for the outdoors? If you love being surrounded by nature and teaching others about it, you might be a good fit for a major in Outdoor Education.
Outdoor Education majors learn the skills to teach others about the outdoors, act as guides for hikes and other activities, and lead courses in wilderness survival. Classes in topics such as environmental studies, first aid, survival skills, and outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, ropes courses, and backpacking prepare students for a successful career working with and teaching others about the great outdoors.
In 2020-2021, outdoor education was the 313th most popular major nationwide with 265 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 10 over the prior year, a growth of 3.8%.
This year's Best Outdoor Education Schools ranking compares 10 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom outdoor ed rankings further below.
A majority of your career will be spent working with others making strong communication and interpersonal skills very important. Whether you're teaching classes, giving nature tours, or leading hiking adventures, you must be courteous with customers and provide excellent customer service. Students who excel in this field often have a background in environmental studies and previous experience working in the outdoors.
A career in Outdoor Education can be either part time or full time depending on where you're hired. Some parks have a busy season requiring more staff while other places require year round staff. Location and your level of experience and education will play a role in what type of job you're hired for.
To gain experience in this field, it is recommended you find a summer job or internship with a campsite, outdoor adventure company, the National Park Service, or another organization within the Outdoor Education field.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most outdoor ed degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional outdoor ed certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different outdoor ed degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in outdoor education to something that takes less time like a . Outdoor Education programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A degree in Outdoor Education gives graduates the opportunity to work outdoors in a variety of jobs. Some graduates have decided to become park rangers, teach outdoor survival courses, lead hiking and backpacking trips, and work for kayaking and canoeing companies. Since you will have an advanced knowledge of the outdoors, you will be able to find a job in any outdoor related industry. This occupation is growing at an average rate, meaning most students should be able to find a job after graduation in their area. Those who are willing to relocate will have a better chance finding work.
Recently graduated outdoor education students earned an average of $27,786 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $23,048 to as high as $32,524. As you might expect, salaries for outdoor ed graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
One of 4 majors within the Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies area of study, Outdoor Education has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Health & Physical Education | 67,146 |
| Recreation Administration | 3,122 |
| Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | 3,106 |
| Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | 174 |
Image Credit: By SLenartowicz under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
