Outdoor Education Graduate Degree Program
Course Descriptions
Students pursuing a M.S. degree must complete the following required coursework. They work closely with their advisors to develop a strategic educational plan that fits their specific goals in the program. Depending upon students' specific interests or goals, they may choose to complete an advanced studies project or a thesis as a final requirement for graduation.
- KIN 884 (4cr.) - Programs in Outdoor Education - Provides an understanding of outdoor education program models currently being used, analyzing the principles underlying the curriculum development and strategies for implementing such models.
- KIN 885 (4cr) - Foundations of Adventure Education - Examination of the writings of thinkers such as Plato, Rousseau, and John Dewey and discussions of their applications to the field of adventure education. Topics include learning theory, human nature, aims of education, critical analysis and evaluation techniques.
- KIN 886 (4cr.) - Organization and Administration of Outdoor Education - Study of the administration of outdoor education programs using a variety of organizational models. Students develop through simulated exercises and learn the key factors necessary to manage a program.
- KIN 898 (4cr.) - Graduate Seminar - "Psychological Aspects of Outdoor Education". The major theories of psychology are examined with their relation to outdoor education. Students then investigate the application of a particular psychological model and technique within their area of interest in outdoor education. 4 Credits.
- KIN 900 (4cr.) - Applied Statistics - Statistical procedures and associated elements of basic research design with direct, practical application to areas within education and other disciplines.
- KIN 901 (4cr.) - Analysis of Professional Literature - Critical interpretation of professional literature, involving developing a research question, reviewing the literature, overview of research methods and preparation of research proposal.
- KIN 985 (4cr.) - Graduate Seminar - "Change Processes in Adventure Programming". Current uses of adventure programming focus on working with clients who wish to change at some level . This course examines this expectation, our efforts to assist clients in achieving such objectives, and how we as facilitators of client experiences fulfill such a role.
- Advisor approved elective credits
In addition to the required coursework students must complete one of the following:
KIN 895 (4cr.) - Advanced Studies Project - Independent study problems. May be repeated up to 8 credits. 2-4 Credits.
OR
KIN 899 - Thesis - 6 Credits.