Camping or Outdoor Education Degrees
- Outdoor education is a common degree title that has a broad range in the job market. Outdoor education degrees prepare students for jobs as interpretive park rangers, adventure guides, wilderness guides and leaders of environmental education based programs. The degree also prepares students for graduate programs involving outdoor business management and wilderness therapy programs. Programs in outdoor education typically require a combination of physical science and outdoor philosophy to gain a broad understanding of the outdoors. Courses with hands-on recreation training also are a normal part of the curriculum. Outdoor education programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate level.
- The parks and recreation degree is designed to prepare students to work in an organized parks system. Although private jobs do exist, the majority of the work is in the public sector. Parks and recreation students must obtain a broad knowledge of wilderness areas and environmental philosophy and gain the ability to interpret and organize information for the public. A large portion of the work exists in the National Parks Service, but graduates can also find opportunities with state, county and city park agencies around the United States.
- Adventure therapy is more of a specialized field with graduate degree potential. The programs are designed to use wilderness skills and outdoor education in an applied manner for therapeutic purposes. Numerous programs exist for troubled teens, and programs for adults also are available. The therapy style is used to treat depression, anxiety and other common issues that are prevalent in urban environments. Therapy for victims of violence and drug and alcohol abusers are also targeted for help by adventure and wilderness therapy instructors.
- Environmental studies and wildlife and fisheries programs are focused on the biology and science used to interpret data and manage resources. The degree programs require courses in environmental philosophy, but the end result is the ability to perform work in the field. Trapping, electroshocking, gathering statistical data and managing disease and invasive species are all issues that science-based graduates tackle. The job potential is divided between public and private interests, and degree programs are available from associate level to doctorate.