Why Choose a Concentration in Wilderness Leadership?

Wilderness Leadership administers an experiential curriculum to provide an outdoor education degree for traditional and alternative teaching methods both in the classroom and in the field. This meets the needs of the student’s technical and theoretical foundation of becoming a professional in the field of outdoor adventure leadership.

Requirements for the Concentration in Wilderness Leadership

Requirements for the Movement Science Major - 29 Credits

All majors in the department of Movement Science, Sports and Leisure Studies must complete the twenty-nine (29) credits of courses specified below. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the Major Core Classes is required to be eligible to graduate with a degree from the department.

Major Core Classes

• MOVP 0100 - Science of Physical Activity and Health
• BIOL 0237 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 0239 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• MOVP 0202 - Introduction to Motor Learning
• MOVP 0203 - Motor Development and Behavior
• MOVP 0204 - Kinesiology
• MOVP 0205 - Physiology of Exercise

Note:

In order to progress through the major, students must meet the academic and professional development criteria necessary to earn intermediate and advanced standing in the department as outlined in the Professional Development section below.

Wilderness Leadership Concentration

Wilderness Leadership administers an experiential curriculum of traditional and alternative teaching methods both in the classroom and in the field that meets the needs of the individual student’s technical and theoretical foundation of becoming a professional in the field of outdoor adventure leadership. This concentration prepares students for careers in outdoor education and to lead field trips and adventure trips within the leisure industry.

Required Course List:

 

• MOVP 0117 - Introduction to Adventure Education
• MOVP 0245 - Adventure Challenge Instructor
• MOVP 0250 - Adventure Education Leadership
• MOVP 0190 - First Aid and Emergency Care

One of the following:

 

• BIOL 0128 - General Biology II
• ENVS 0106 - Introduction to Environmental Analysis

One of the following:

 

• MOVP 0309 - Adventure Education Programming
• EDUC 0312 - Outdoor Education Credits: 3

As well as three activities’ courses from the following list: 3-5 Credits

 

• MOVP 0137 - Skin and Scuba Diving
• MOVP 0138 - Boating and Canoeing
• MOVP 0139 - Kayaking
• MOVP 0154 - Downhill Skiing
• MOVP 0155 - Ski Touring and Snow Shoeing
• MOVP 0167 - Camping Skills
• MOVP 0172 - Orienteering
• MOVP 0173 - Initiative Games and Ropes
• MOVP 0180 - Rock Climbing
• MOVP 0182 - Lifeguard Training
• MOVP 0184 - Water Safety Instructor

Also required is:

 

• MOVP 0398 - Internship Wilderness Leadership

Note:

In consultation with advisor, students may want to pursue a minor in Biology, Business, or Environmental Science.

Professional Development Procedures

In order to progress through the Movement Science and Athletic Training majors, students must meet the academic and professional development criteria necessary to earn intermediate and advanced standing in the department.

Intermediate Standing

Requirements for Intermediate Standing to progress through the Movement Science and Athletic Training majors.

• Minimum GPA of 2.3 in the following courses:
• MOVP 0100 - Science of Physical Activity and Health
• MOVP 0202 - Introduction to Motor Learning or MOVP 203
• BIOL 0237 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 0239 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• Additional Requirements (all Movement Science/Athletic Training majors):Personal Statement Resume First Aid / CPR Certification Membership in a professional organization Earn a minimum of 15 Professional Development Points Two (2) Faculty Recommendations Two (2) examples of best work Additional Requirements (specific to Physical Education concentration):Students must show proof of registration and/ore scores for the Communication (Reading) and Literacy (Writing) portion of the MTEL tests Students must keep a monthly fitness log using a logging system approved by the Coordinator of the Physical Education program Keep a record of competencies met for NASPE standards Students progress toward meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (57 credits).  All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy.   Please see section on Licensure for Teaching under Academic Policies.

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing is required for those completing an internship, ATEP clinical experience, or student teaching practicum. The requirements are as follows:

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major core area (29 credits)
• Minimum GPA of 2.7 in the courses in the concentration (Placement in the Teaching Practicum requires a 2.8)
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.8
• Personal Statement
• Resume
• First Aid / CPR Certification
• Membership in a professional organization
• Earn a minimum of 15 Professional Development Points (in addition to those earned for Intermediate Standing)
• Three (3) Faculty Recommendations and two (2) additional recommendations from outside the department
• Five (5) samples of best written work
• Supervising Practitioner Recommendations

Additional information can be found in the MSSLS Department manual.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the Common Core .