Program

Start a career in Outdoor Experiential Leadership

The degree is designed to ensure that our graduates have a broad understanding of outdoor experiential leadership as well as experience in outdoor education. The early courses focus on taking part in outdoor education, while the later courses are geared towards gaining experience in leadership and planning. Organized as such, the structure creates rich opportunities for learning through experience and reflection.

Outdoor Experiential Leadership (OEL) Pathway

The OEL pathway is an option of the Outdoor Recreation curriculum hosted by the department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) at Penn State University (PSU). Here is a broken-down view of the curriculum, including the OEL pathway:

  • Common Core (24 credits)

    • RPTM 120 – Leisure and Health (3 credits)
    • RPTM 220 – Sustainability, Society, and Well-Being (3 credits)
    • RPTM 236 – Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation Services (3 credits)
    • RPTM 277 – Inclusive Leisure Services (3 credits)
    • RPTM 356 – Programming in Recreation Services (3 credits)
    • RPTM 410 – Marketing of Recreation Services (3 credits)
    • RPTM 433 – Program Evaluation and Research in Recreation Services (3 credits)
    • RPTM 460 – Political and Legal Aspects of Recreation Services (3 credits)

  • Required Core Course for the Outdoor Recreation Option (13 credits)

    • RPTM 320 – Recreation Resource Planning and Management (3 credits)
    • RPTM 325 – Principles of Environmental Interpretation (3 credits)
    • RPTM 330 – Adventure-Based Program Leadership (3 credits)
    • RPTM 435 – Recreation Facilities Planning and Management (3 credits)

  • Required Professional Skills Core Courses (22-23 credits)

    • RPTM 101 – Introduction to Recreation Services (3 credits)
    • CMPSC 203 – Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases (4 credits)
      – or –
      CAS 283 – Communication and Information Technology I (3 credits)
    • RPTM 394 – Orientation to Internship (1 credit)
    • RPTM 495A – Internship in Recreation Services (12 credits)

  • Electives (3-4 credits)

Certifications

Students who complete the OEL degree pathway will have opportunities to earn certifications in:
(these are just some examples)

  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Swiftwater Rescue
  • Top rope Site Management
  • Challenge Course Facilitation
  • Leave No Trace