Outdoor Leadership

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Outdoor Leadership

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change.

The Outdoor Leadership Program at Springfield College provides students with a unique mix of outdoor leadership, adventure education, outdoor recreation and environmental education concepts. The core curriculum includes four distinct categories: Leadership Training, Environmental Knowledge, Skill Development & Fieldwork, and Recreation Management. Students in the program examine pedagogy, philosophical theory, hard and soft skill development, communication and interpretive skills, managerial skills, field experience and gain direct face-to- face leadership experience.

Springfield College also manages an outdoor education center, located on East Campus. Students learn in an urban wilderness setting. testing formulas for spiritual, physical, and intellectual growth. Students may also elect to attend training sessions promoted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound. Limited college credit for NOLS, study abroad, or outdoor expeditions may be arranged to supplement the student’s academic program and professional development.

If students opt for an additional semester to satisfy the program’s internship requirement, additional tuition charges will apply.

For more information about the Outdoor Leadership major, contact Dr. Matthew J. Pantera, chairperson of the Sport Management and Recreation department, at (413) 748-3693 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download an Outdoor Leadership Program Checksheet

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

BIOL 260 - General Ecology Credits: 3
BIOL 261 - General Ecology Laboratory Credits: 1
HIST 365 - Environmental History of America Credits: 3
HPER 350 - Wilderness First Responder Credits: 3
HPER 475 - Legal Issues in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
HPER 479 - Personnel and Human Resources Management Credits: 3
PHED 231 - Challenge Course Facilitator Credits: 3
SMRT 106 - Dynamics of Leadership Credits: 3
SMRT 116 - Event Management and Promotions Credits: 3
SMRT 155 - Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Credits: 3
SMRT 272 - Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
SMRT 330 - Nature Interpretation Credits: 3
SMRT 350 - Public Relations Credits: 3
SMRT 375 - Adventure Theory and Practice Credits: 3
SMRT 404 - Advanced Outdoor Leadership and Expedition Planning Credits: 6
SMRT 419 - Camp Programming and Administration Credits: 3
SMRT 426 - Management of Natural Resources Credits: 3
SMRT 485 - Undergraduate Internship Credits: 12

B. Related Requirements

PEAC 101 - Boating and Canoeing Credits: .5
PEAC 114 - Hiking and Backpacking Credits: .5
PEAC 119 - Kayaking Credits: .5
PEAC 126 - Orienteering Credits: .5
PEAC 129 - Rock Climbing Credits: .5
PEAC 210 - Wilderness Survival Credits: .5

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

Program and Advanced Standing Requirements

Outdoor Leadership majors must qualify for advanced standing in order to register for the third and fourth year sequences of required courses (including Pre-Practicum and Internship). To qualify for advanced standing, the student must meet the following standards by the conclusion of his or her sophomore year.

The student’s overall cumulative grade point index must meet or exceed a 2.50 GPA.
Proper professional and responsible behavior is expected of each recreation management student. This includes behaviorwhile a student (on- and off-campus) and as a member of the college community.

After achieving the minimum GPA, the student must maintain those standards through the remainder of the program. If the student fails to meet or maintain those standards, the faculty will review the student’s record and recommend departmental probation (with appropriate prescription to overcome the deficiency) or dismissal from the program.