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Program overview

The outdoors is an essential part of Maine’s heritage and an increasingly critical component of our modern economy. According to the , Maine’s outdoor recreation economy generates more than $3 billion annually and the state ranks in the top 10 nationally in terms of the percentage of its gross domestic product that comes from outdoor industries. The sector is 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. The 12-credit Outdoor Leadership and Education graduate certificate at the University of Maine is designed to provide students with a combination of hands-on practices and theory to help build the skills to facilitate meaningful, high-quality outdoor learning opportunities for participants of all ages. The curriculum is focused 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, as well as post-secondary and adult education, and community settings.

Course sequence

This 12-credit graduate certificate is offered in collaboration with the University of Maine at Machias and requires four courses, including a field practicum.

Required Courses

• KPE 512: Ethics and Social Justice in Outdoor Leadership (91¸£Àû; typically offered fall semester; online asynchronous)
• KPE 550: Bringing the Classroom Outdoors (91¸£Àû; typically offered every other summer in odd years; hybrid online with intensive in-person field experience)
• EHD 590: Topics in Education — Risk Management in Experiential and Outdoor Education (91¸£Àû; typically offered every other spring in even years; online asynchronous)
• EHD 657: Practicum — The graduate field practicum for outdoor leadership and education students will require seminar-style readings and discussions, as well as field experiences completed either through a backcountry expedition or an outdoor learning project with a community partner or school. (91¸£Àû and 91¸£Àû Machias; varied offerings; hybrid, some options require in-person coursework or travel).

Careers

Maine ranks among the top five states nationally in terms of the percentage of its economy coming from the outdoor recreation industry. In addition to practicing teachers in PK-12 schools looking to gain skills and experience in outdoor education and instruction, this certificate may be appropriate for people in careers such as guiding and outfitting, wilderness therapy and natural resource management.

Faculty

Our outstanding faculty have 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 this graduate certificate program are taught by faculty from our School of Kinesiology, Physical Education and Athletic Training and the University of Maine at Machias’ program.

To apply

Applications must be completed via the 91¸£Àû Graduate School’s online application form. Although we accept new students on a rolling basis, preference will be given to students who submit by the following dates:

• August 15 (for Fall start)
• December 15 (for Spring start)
• April 15 (for Summer start)

Additional requirements or considerations:

• Students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts are required.
• Students may take individual courses before submitting an application. However, you must pass all courses with a B- or higher grade in order to apply them toward the certificate.
• Courses taken in this certificate program may be accepted for transfer into a master’s or higher graduate program if approved by the students’ advisor. However, completion of a certificate course does not guarantee acceptance to a graduate degree program.

Contact

Lauren Jacobs
Lecturer of Outdoor Leadership, University of Maine
lauren.jacobs@maine.edu
207.581.4930


Associate Professor of Environmental Recreation and Tourism Management, University of Maine at Machias
karen.beeftink@maine.edu
207.255.1249