Outdoor Education

Program Information

Degree Type: AAS
Program Code: OUTE
Hegis Code: 5506.10
Degree Worksheet PDF: Download

Microcredential:  http://www.sunyacc.edu/academics/microcredentials

Outdoor Education is an adventure-based academic experience focused on preparing highly skilled outdoor industry professionals through intensive training and professional certification. This is a comprehensive program of liberal arts, critical thinking, environmental stewardship, outdoor technical skill development, professional certification, and leadership training. The curriculum integrates academic skills with outdoor and human skills in a program of academic and professional preparation. Students completing the AAS requirements will be prepared to transfer to a four-year program at select SUNY and private institutions or entry-level careers in the outdoor adventure industry.

Cr. Course Title Course Code
1-2 FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE HRD100 HRD100A or HRD110
3

Introduction to College Writing

ENG101
3

 

SUNY GEN ED Basic Communication

ENG102, ENG103, ENG104, ENG105, ENG106, ENG107, ENG108, ENG109 or ENG110

3 SUNY GEN ED Mathematics  
3-4 SUNY GEN ED Natural Sciences  CHM105 Environmental Sci. recommended
3 General Psychology or Principles of Sociology

PSY101 or SOC101

3 Fundamentals of Backcountry Living AVS101
2 Basic River and Backcountry Canoeing  AVS102
3 Foundations of Adventure Education AVS140
3 Wilderness First Responder HED108
3 Advanced Program Leadership and Instruction  AVS227 (Fall Only - Prereq Required)
3 Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation AVS239 (Spring Only- Prereq Required)
3 Principles of Hospitality and Tourism HOS181
6

AGRICULTURE/BUSINESS ELECTIVE

AGR102AGR103BUS102BUS103, or BUS165
6 Complete 6 courses from;  
  Challenge Course I PED152
  Challenge Course II  PED162 (Spring Only -Prereq Required)
  Skiing I or Snowboarding I PED124 or PED144
  Skiing II or Snowboarding II

 PED174 or PED154 (Prereq Required)

  Rock Climbing I PED165
  Rock Climbing II  PED166 (Spring Only- Prereq Required)
6 Choose 2 courses from;  
  Challenge Course Management AVS231 (Spring Only- Prereq Required)
  Fundamentals of Backcountry Skiing AVS224 (Spring Only- Prereq Required)
  Rock Climbing Guiding and Instruction AVS265 (Fall Only- Prereq Required)
  Adventure Program Operations Internship or Topics in Adventure Program Design AVS178 or AVS250 (Prereq Required)
6 Liberal Arts and Sciences SPH111 Introduction to Public Speaking recommended
3 Electives  
63 Minimum Credits required for graduation  
Recommended First Year
First Semester
1-2 HRD100, HRD100A or HRD110
3 ENG101
3 PSY 101 or SOC 101
3 AVS101
3 AVS140
1 PED152
1 PED165
Second Semester
3 HOS 181
3 ENG102 - ENG110
3 Liberal Arts and Sciences Electives
2 AVS102
3 HED108
1 PED124 or PED144
1 PED162
1 PED166
Recommended Second Year
Third Semester
3 AGR/BUS Elective (See Note 1)
3 Outdoor Education course (See Note 2)
3 AVS227
3 SUNY GEN ED Mathematics
3 Liberal Arts and Sciences elective
Fourth Semester
3 AGR/BUS elective (See Note 1)
3 Outdoor Education course (See Note 2)
3 AVS239
3-4 SUNY GEN ED Natural Sciences
3 Electives
1 PED154 or PED174

NOTES

  1. Electives include:  AGR 102, AGR 103, BUS 102, BUS 103 or BUS 165
  2. Outdoor Education courses include: AVS 178, AVS 231, AVS 224, AVS 250 or AVS 265 [AVS 221 may also be used to meet this requirement.]
  3. ACA Swiftwater Rescue Certification will meet an Outdoor Education requirement and two free elective credits.
  4. Students may gain credentials while enrolled in this OUTE program as shown below:

First Semester Certification  

Second Semester Certifications

AVS 101 – Leave No Trace

AVS 102 – New York Safe Boating Operator

HED 108 – Wilderness First Responder, CPR and NARCAN

Third Semester Certifications

Fourth Semester Certification

AVS 231 - Level II Challenge Course

AVS 265 – Climbing Wall Instructor with Lead endorsement

AVS 224 – Telemark Level I

PED 154 – Snowboard Level I

PED 174 – Alpine Level I

 

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