Programs of Study

Certificate in Outdoor Recreation and Experiential Leadership

The Certificate in Outdoor Recreation and Experiential Leadership introduces students to a variety of outdoor adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and challenge course facilitation. This cross-disciplinary initiative combines the resources and services of the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism, Mason's Center for Teambuilding and Organizational Learning (the EDGE), and New Century College.

All students must complete a total of 25 credits in the certificate program. The breakdown of required core and elective coursework is outlined below. At least 15 credits must be completed at George Mason University. Any coursework completed at another institution must be approved for transfer by the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. Coursework can be completed while pursuing a degree and is open to students majoring in all disciplines.

Develop Your Outdoor Leadership Skills

Becoming an outdoor leader is for those individuals who are interested in exploring, guiding, and facilitating experiences for individuals in the outdoors. The Certificate in Outdoor Recreation and Experiential Leadership coursework focuses on hard (technical) and soft (theory) skills learned experientially while participating in the outdoor curriculum.

Students have options to attain certification as low and high element facilitators and Wilderness First Responders. Students completing the certificate requirements will be fully prepared to work as challenge course facilitators, work as outdoor adventure instructors at Outdoor Education/Adventure Education organizations, and effectively integrate outdoor experiential programs with existing educational curricula.

Course Work

Required Core Courses (17 credits)

• NCLC 204: Leadership Theory and Practice (3 credit hours)

• PRLS 110: Exploring Outdoor Adventure (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 210: Introduction to Recreation and Leisure (3 credit hours)

• PRLS 220: Experiential Education Theory and Application (3 credit hours)

• PRLS 221: Challenge Course Facilitation (3 credit hours)

• PRLS 316: Outdoor Education and Leadership (3 credit hours)

Electives (8 credits)

Choose 8 credits from the following:

• NCLC 195: Field-Based Work (1 - 6 credit hours) (must register for 1 credit)

• PRLS 117: Rock Climbing (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 120: Introduction to Backpacking (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 170: Introduction to White-water Kayaking (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 173: Basic Coastal Kayaking (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 180: White-water Canoeing (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 181: White-water Canoeing II (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 200: Wilderness First Responder (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 250: Wilderness Travel and Sustainability (2 credit hours)

• PRLS 480: Special Topics in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies (1 credit hour)

Total: 25 credits

Declare Your Intent to Pursue the Certificate in Outdoor Recreation and Experiential Leadership

• Complete the Declaration of Undergraduate Certificate Form available at: http://registrar.gmu.edu/forms/UCD.pdf
• Please email Dr. Brenda Wiggins at bwiggins@gmu.edu to set up an advising appointment and obtain her signature for the form.

For more information about the Certificate in Outdoor Recreation and Experiential Leadership, contact:

Dr. Brenda Wiggins
Academic Program Coordinator- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
703-993-2068
bwiggins@gmu.edu