Program Description
The Outdoor Education and Leadership (OELT) program has been a staple at Vermont State University’s Lyndon campus since 1973, offering degrees in Resort Management and Adventure Education.
Vermont State University’s Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Education, Leadership, and Tourism prepares students for success in the growth industries of resort management, outdoor education, and adventure tourism. The program includes courses from diverse disciplines, such as environmental science, psychology, and business. Our curriculum focuses on developing skilled professionals who are ready to lead within the resort industry and teach others about the outdoors using environmentally and educationally sound methods.
The B.S. in Outdoor Education, Leadership, and Tourism combines the focus and expertise offered in Lyndon’s former mountain recreation management and Johnson’s outdoor education degree programs into one degree program. All OELT majors will complete the same core coursework, and then specialize in one of three concentrations: Adventure Education, Mountain Resort Management, or Sustainable Tourism and Recreation.
The Sustainable Tourism and Recreation concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in tourism and recreation, while educating them about environmental sustainability and stewardship. This concentration equips learners with the tools necessary for a career in the growing field of sustainability within recreation and tourism through science-based coursework, while also preserving the foundational principles of an outdoor recreation degree.
Program Outcomes
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Plan, implement, and evaluate a program to meet diverse needs served by the public and private sectors of the outdoor industry.
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Apply appropriate knowledge, skills, and technology specific to outdoor adventure pursuits, environmental education, therapeutic applications, and/or program management and administrative practices.
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Conduct research consistent with the scientific methods to objectively solve problems within various outdoor related professions.
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Exhibit knowledge of the historical and philosophical foundations of the field, human development, learning theories, experiential education, natural history, and environmental issues.
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Exhibit pedagogical skills and practical experience organizing and leading diverse populations through experiential, field-based learning opportunities.
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Exhibit knowledge of professional practices including risk management, emergency procedures, and awareness of industry standards, current issues and trends.
