Outdoor Recreation
Associate of Science
Outdoor Recreation
Associate of Science
Learn about the business and entrepreneurial side of the outdoor recreation service industry through the Outdoor Recreation program. This program is a great launching point if you are a student eager to start your own outdoor-related small business or are seeking a career in parks, recreation or tourism.
Best practices in training, leadership assessment, and program management will be explored, along with developing skills in understanding human development and psychology in outdoor recreation program settings and risk management.
You'll have the option to spend up to one full semester taking wilderness-based courses with the NOLS. NOLS offers educational expeditions at remote, pristine locations in the U.S. and abroad. For more information on NOLS visit the NOLS website.
Course |
Credits |
Intro to Environmental Science | 4 |
Leading Adventure Programs | 3 |
Problem Solving OR College Algebra | 3-4 |
Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT | 4-9 |
Fundamentals of Statistics OR Intro to Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 |
Students must choose seventeen (17) credits from the following list of approved electives:
Course |
Credits |
American Indians in Contemporary Society (SOC) |
3 |
Introduction to Physical Anthropology (SOC) |
3 |
Survey of Astronomy (LSCI) |
4 |
Human Life Span Development (SOC) |
3 |
Outdoor Leadership Instructor |
1-5 |
Outdoor Education & Leadership |
1-5 |
Mountain Environments |
4 |
Avalanche Lvl 2:Anlz Snwpk & Aval Haz. |
2 |
Introduction to Geographic Info Systems |
4 |
Wilderness EMT |
9 |
Skiing & Snowboarding |
1 |
PE:Cross Country Skiing |
1 |
Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing |
1 |
PE:Whitewater Rafting/Rescue |
1 |
Outdoor Multi-Sport |
1-3 |
Indoor Rock Climbing |
1 |
Mountain Biking |
1 |
PE:Water Safety/Lifeguard Training |
1 |
Wilderness Navigation |
1 |
Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding |
1 |
Alpine Climbing and Rescue |
1 |
Program |
Credits |
Writing Level I | 3 |
Writing Level II | 3 |
American and Wyoming Government | 3 |
ARTS/HUM/SOC | 6 |
Oral Communications | 3 |
University Studies | 1 |
Get to know your instructors!
Darran Wells
Professor of Outdoor Education and LeadershipDarran Wells grew up racing mountain-bikes with his father in Houston, TX.
Stacy Wells
Adjunct Professor of Outdoor Education and LeadershipStacy Tostrup Wells has been teaching professionally in the outdoors for more than 20 years.
Jacob Urban
Adjunct Professor of Outdoor Education and LeadershipAs an undergraduate professor, guide, program director, corporate trainer and business owner, Jake has been teaching in the outdoors for more than 20 years.
If you have an interest in anthropology, environmental science, geospatial information systems technology (GIST), or outdoor education you can begin your studies and career on top of the Rocky Mountains as part of the Alpine Science Institute at Central Wyoming College.