Outdoor Education: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Outdoor Education is a dynamic, experiential field focused on fostering environmental stewardship, personal development, and leadership through immersive learning in natural settings. This program equips students with the expertise to design, lead, and evaluate educational experiences in parks, camps, wilderness areas, and recreational facilities.
- Leadership Development: Cultivates the ability to guide and inspire groups in outdoor environments, emphasizing decision-making, accountability, and adaptive management in real-world conditions.
- Wilderness Survival Skills: Teaches essential techniques for navigating, sheltering, and sustaining life in remote natural environments, emphasizing safety, preparedness, and environmental awareness.
- First Aid and Emergency Response: Provides training in wilderness first aid, CPR, injury prevention, and crisis management to ensure the safety and well-being of participants in remote or high-risk settings.
- Group Processes and Facilitation: Explores dynamics of group behavior, team building, conflict resolution, and facilitation strategies to enhance collaboration and learning within outdoor educational programs.
- Counseling and Youth Development: Integrates principles of psychological development, motivational techniques, and supportive communication to guide participants through personal growth experiences.
- Environmental Studies and Sustainability: Focuses on ecological systems, conservation ethics, sustainable practices, and the role of humans in maintaining healthy natural environments.
- Adventure and Recreational Activities Instruction: Offers hands-on training in high- and low-impact outdoor pursuits, including rock climbing, ropes courses, backpacking, kayaking, and canoeing, with an emphasis on safety, skill progression, and inclusive participation.
Outdoor Education Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Outdoor Education Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Outdoor Education degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services and Recreation Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 402,470 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services 39-1014 | $46,900 | $32,960 - $76,430 | 92,830 | $22.55 |
| Recreation Workers 39-9032 | $35,380 | $25,640 - $49,460 | 309,640 | $17.01 |
Outdoor Education Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $32,000 in Arkansas to $51,010 in Washington—a 59% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, Alaska, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 402,470 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Outdoor Education by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 43 institutions offering Outdoor Education programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Outdoor Education is found at Prescott College (PC) (37 graduates), Minnesota North College (18 graduates), Central Michigan University (CMU) (16 graduates), Vermont State University (VTSU) (16 graduates), and Fort Lewis College (FLC) (15 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 336 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescott College (PC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 | Prescott, Arizona | Private | prescott.edu |
| Minnesota North College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | Hibbing, Minnesota | Public | minnesotanorth.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Vermont State University (VTSU) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Randolph, Vermont | Public | vermontstate.edu |
| Fort Lewis College (FLC) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
15 | Durango, Colorado | Public | fortlewis.edu |
| SUNY Adirondack |
Associate's
|
15 | Queensbury, New York | Public | sunyacc.edu |
| Southwestern Community College (SWCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Sylva, North Carolina | Public | southwesterncc.edu |
| Warren Wilson College (WWC) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Swannanoa, North Carolina | Private | warren-wilson.edu |
| Salisbury University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Salisbury, Maryland | Public | salisbury.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Master's
|
13 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Greenfield Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Greenfield, Massachusetts | Public | gcc.mass.edu |
| Western Carolina University (WCU) |
Master's
|
12 | Cullowhee, North Carolina | Public | wcu.edu |
| Elon University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Elon, North Carolina | Private | elon.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| John Brown University (JBU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Siloam Springs, Arkansas | Private | jbu.edu |
| North Idaho College (NIC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | Public | nic.edu |
| Plymouth State University (PSU) |
Master's
|
7 | Plymouth, New Hampshire | Public | plymouth.edu |
| Gratz College |
Master's
|
7 | Melrose Park, Pennsylvania | Private | gratz.edu |
| Northland College |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Ashland, Wisconsin | Private | northland.edu |
| Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
| Brevard College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Brevard, North Carolina | Private | brevard.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
6 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Montreat College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Montreat, North Carolina | Private | montreat.edu |
| Sterling College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Craftsbury Common, Vermont | Private | sterlingcollege.edu |
| Alaska Pacific University |
Master's
|
4 | Anchorage, Alaska | Private | alaskapacific.edu |
| Toccoa Falls College (TFC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Toccoa Falls, Georgia | Private | tfc.edu |
| Young Harris College (YHC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Young Harris, Georgia | Private | yhc.edu |
| College of Southern Idaho (CSI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Twin Falls, Idaho | Public | csi.edu |
| East Tennessee State University (ETSU) |
Post-Master's
|
4 | Johnson City, Tennessee | Public | etsu.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Colorado Christian University (CCU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Lakewood, Colorado | Private | ccu.edu |
| Asbury University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asbury.edu |
| Black Hills State University (BHSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Spearfish, South Dakota | Public | bhsu.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
2 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| New England College (NEC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Henniker, New Hampshire | Private | nec.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Cortland, New York | Public | www2.cortland.edu |
| Lees-McRae College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Banner Elk, North Carolina | Private | lmc.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (SUNY Delhi) |
Associate's
|
1 | Delhi, New York | Public | delhi.edu |
| Central Oregon Community College (COCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Bend, Oregon | Public | cocc.edu |
| Rogue Community College (RCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Grants Pass, Oregon | Public | roguecc.edu |
| Westminster University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | westminstercollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Outdoor Education programs
How much can I earn with a Outdoor Education degree?
Salaries for Outdoor Education graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services earn a median of $46,900 annually, while Recreation Workers earn around $35,380. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $51,010 compared to $32,000 in Arkansas. Approximately 402,470 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Outdoor Education programs?
Currently 43 accredited institutions offer Outdoor Education degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Prescott College (PC) (37 graduates), Minnesota North College (18 graduates), and Central Michigan University (CMU) (16 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Outdoor Education growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 118 in 2010 to 336 in 2023-24. This represents a 185% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Outdoor Education degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services, Recreation Workers, . Related occupations employ approximately 402,470 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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