Outdoor Education Undergraduate FAQ'S
How many students are in the major?
There are typically 100 undergraduate, 8-10 graduate, and 3-4 PhD students enrolled in the program.
Do Outdoor Education students participate in extended expeditions?
We offer many field courses that are 10 days to three weeks in length. These courses are scheduled just prior to or after the formal semester during summer or winter break. For example, the KIN 543 - Winter Backpacking Skills course is run during the two weeks prior to the first day of UNH's spring semester. Skills courses that are scheduled during a semester involve half day and weekend trips to climbing sites, whitewater rivers, etc. Almost all of our courses have some form of field component. Students who take full advantage of the curriculum can expect to spend 100+ days learning in the outdoors.
What does the typical four year college experience look like for an OE major?
Your experience at UNH will be the co-creation of you and your academic advisor. To see one example of what your four years could look like, see our core requirements and our minor/major options pages.
Where does the field coursework take place?
Most field courses take place in the Northeast. Our typical course areas include: Western Massachusetts, Cape Cod, the Adirondacks, Acadia National Park, Pawtuckaway State Park, the Appalachian Trail in NH and ME, and the White Mountain National Forest. Mountaineering courses take us to distant course areas such as Mexico, Colorado, and Alaska.
What are the class sizes?
Most field courses have a maximum class size of 8-10 students. Campus based seminar courses typically range between 12- 24 students.
Does UNH OE provide job placement assistance?
The OE Program hosts an annual Outdoor Programs Jobs Fair at UNH every February. Each year we typically attract 50 employers that are eager to hire students enrolled in the OE Program. This fair is a great opportunity for students to find summer or full time employment to satisfy their 100 days or internship requirement.
What type of work can I do with a degree in Outdoor Education?
For a look at what some of our past graduates are up to please see the alumni information page.
Are there opportunities to study abroad in Outdoor Education?
Students are highly encouraged to take advantage of opportunities that will provide them with greater depth and breadth of knowledge in the field. Many of our students have taken advantage of the opportunity to study abroad in Australia or at other programs within the US.
Will I be a certified outdoor leader?
We require all students to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians. Interested students may also obtain basic canoeing certifications. If a student values certification, it is their responsibility to further their training and obtain certifications on their own through American Mountain Guides Association, American Canoeing Association, or similar trainings. Many of our courses exceed the certification standards of professional organizations.
Can I receive credit for my prior experiences?
While students cannot receive college credits for their prior experience, some students are allowed to waive a course requirement based upon demonstrable previous experience and knowledge. Course substitutions are approved on a case by case basis and students are usually encouraged to enroll in a more advanced course to substitute for the requirement.
Will a NOLS course count toward the major?
Students are highly encouraged to further their abilities and diversify their knowledge through personal experiences or participation in other outdoor programs. Many students choose to participate in NOLS courses and transfer the credits to UNH as elective credits. NOLS and similar courses do not specifically count towards major requirements; however, some students are allowed to waive some lower level course requirements.
What does it mean to be accredited by the AEE?
Please visit AEE's website to find out more about accreditation.