Outdoor Education

Some will remember, no doubt, not only that they went to the college, but that they went to the mountain. - Henry David Thoreau

Increasing numbers of people go into the wilderness for recreation and education, as well as for personal growth and teambuilding. This has created a need for skilled and informed professionals to facilitate the interaction between people and the natural environment—both to enhance the individual learning experience and to protect and interpret the wilderness.

Sterling’s Outdoor Education program combines the study of educational and leadership theory and practice with technical outdoor travel and adventure skills. Students also explore issues ranging from ethical controversies and risk management to program design. Students gain a solid background in ecology, environmental science, and recreational resource management.

Coursework includes rock-climbing, flat-water and whitewater canoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, map and compass navigation, low-impact backcountry travel and camping in all seasons, and ropes-course management. More importantly, students learn to lead, teach, and facilitate these activities, while modeling and inspiring sustainable environmental practices. Through internships, volunteerism, work experiences, and Sterling’s experiential education courses, students gain experience teaching and leading groups. Both the hands-on nature of our program and our setting in Vermont's rural Northeast Kingdom create a dynamic and engaging environment for studying Outdoor Education.

Graduates majoring in Outdoor Education have found employment with a variety of educational and adventure based programs. Among these are Outward Bound, Project Adventure, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, the Farm School, and Proctor Academy.

Sterling will grant credit for National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) semester courses and some Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO) courses.

Outdoor Education programs at Sterling College are accreditated by the Association for Experiential Education, which means we participate in comprehensive peer review on a regular basis in order to ensure that we are at the leading edge of best practices in the field.  Students who study Outdoor Education at Sterling College can feel confident of our risk management practices as well as engaged by the breadth and depth of our curriculum.

Recent Internship Sites

Recent Senior Capstone Projects

Link to the Academic Catalog to Review Degree Requirements