About the Program

The online Graduate Certificate in Outdoor Leadership and Education provides students with hands-on practice and theory to create meaningful, high-quality outdoor learning experiences for all ages.

Learning Outcomes

Upon earning an Outdoor Leadership and Education Graduate Certificate, students will be able to:

• Plan and facilitate safe, meaningful, and appropriate outdoor activities and outdoor learning experiences for diverse participants in diverse settings.
• Use and build upon their existing professional knowledge, experience, and skills to incorporate outdoor activities and learning into their instructional practices in dynamic and innovative ways.
• Thoughtfully and ethically incorporate elements of place into the learning experience.

Format

The Outdoor Leadership and Education Graduate Certificate is a blended program meaning some courses have in-person components. While a majority of classes are held online, KPE 550: Bringing the Classroom Outdoors and EHD 657: Practicum are required courses that require in-person components.

The curriculum focuses on the professional knowledge and field experiences needed for anyone interested in successfully incorporating more experiential and place-based learning into settings such as PK-12 schools, postsecondary and adult education, or community-based programming.

We have rolling admissions so you can apply and be accepted into the program anytime. However, the following priority deadlines are recommended:

• Fall Semester: August 15
• Spring Semester: December 15
• Summer Semester: April 15

Applications will still be reviewed after these dates, but acceptance may be deferred for the next semester.

The outdoors is an essential part of Maine’s heritage and an increasingly critical component of our modern economy. Outdoor industries and recreation are particularly important for the sustainability of rural communities. Maine needs a skilled cadre of stewards, educators, and outdoor guides to lead groups knowledgeably, ethically, and safely on trips in our wilderness and natural resources. 

In addition to practicing teachers in PK-12 schools looking to gain skills and experience in outdoor education and instruction, this certificate is also appropriate for people in careers such as guiding and outfitting, wilderness therapy, and natural resource management.

Our outstanding faculty has a wealth of research and practical knowledge to help working educators and other professionals address current challenges in education and improve the human condition. Courses in the Graduate Certificate in Outdoor Leadership and Education program are taught by faculty from our School of Kinesiology, Physical Education, and Athletic Training and the University of Maine at Machias’ Outdoor Recreation and Leadership program.