Adventure Education (B.A.)

Program Overview

This major will prepare the individual for a career as an adventure educator. The student will gain the theory, knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to successfully plan, implement, administer, and supervise educational experiences in the outdoor setting. Adventure education programs focus on the interpersonal relationships and personal growth that can occur during outdoor adventure activities and include challenge course experiences, extended wilderness trips, day activities such as rock climbing, caving, and canoeing. Students have the option of spending a semester on a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course in the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, or desert southwest. There are additional fees for courses that involve certifications and/or travel.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Adventure Education program can:

1. Explain and identify the theoretical, philosophical, and historical foundations of adventure education.

2. Identify key learning theories, leadership theories, and group dynamic theories utilized in adventure programming.

3. Identify, locate, and critically review research in adventure education. 

4. Synthesize data from program experiences to evaluate program effectiveness.

5. Demonstrate technical skills competency in a variety of adventure activity areas and will be able to instruct and lead others in these activities.
6. Demonstrate effective program management including the principles of safety and risk management.
7. Effectively design, facilitate, and lead education experiences incorporating sound judgment/decision making and group processing skills.
8. Identify personal areas of interest and strength as they relate to career, service, and graduate school options in adventure education. 
9. Identify key professional organizations and discuss the breadth of professional opportunities within adventure education.
10. Demonstrate a positive environmental ethic and will be able to articulate the importance of Leave No Trace outdoor practices.
11. Explain and apply various models of Christian integration to adventure programming activities.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

At least five credits from the following:

At least three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following (3):

At least one credit from the following

QuEST Requirements