This program is delivered only through Prince William Sound College.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Outdoor Leadership prepares students to work in dynamic tourism, outdoor education and recreation. It is focused on teaching readiness for leadership, the benefits of outdoor recreation, the evaluation and mitigation of risk, technical backcountry skills, and expedition planning.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Associate Degrees.
Special Considerations
Students may need to rent or purchase additional equipment for courses. Many courses in the program are conducted outdoors in extremely cold and/or inclement weather conditions with significant physical demands.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Associate Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- Complete the following major requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| KIN A161 | Wilderness First Responder | 4 |
| KIN A181 | Introduction to Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN A262 | Foundations of Outdoor Recreation | 3 |
| KIN A264 | Recreation Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| KIN A266 | Introduction to Safety and Risk | 3 |
| KIN A280 | Leadership in Kinesiology | 3 |
| KIN A282 | Leadership in Initiative Activities | 2 |
| KIN A287 | Leadership in Outdoor Recreation Activities | 2 |
| KIN A295 | Outdoor Leadership Internship | 3 |
| KIN A296 | Capstone: Advanced Outdoor Leadership | 4 |
| PER A170 | Backpack Alaska | 3 |
| Science Core | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Oceanography | ||
or BIOL A190 | Biota of Alaska: Selected Topics | |
or ENVI A211 | Environmental Science: Systems and Processes | |
| Electives | 12 | |
| Complete a minimum of 12 credits from the following. Students may substitute other courses with advisor approval for up to 8 credits. | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society | ||
| Beginning Rock Climbing | ||
| Beginning Ice Climbing | ||
| Water Safety and Rescue | ||
| Beginning River Rafting | ||
| Beginning Sea Kayaking | ||
| Beginning Cross-Country Ski: Classic Stride | ||
| Skiing Alaska's Backcountry | ||
| Avalanche Hazard Recognition and Evaluation | ||
| Winter Camping Alaska | ||
| Outdoor Adventure in Alaska | ||
| Beginning Mountaineering | ||
| Crevasse Rescue Techniques | ||
| Selected Topics in Health, Physical Education and Recreation | ||
| Avalanche Theory II | ||
| Intermediate Sea Kayaking | ||
| Total | 48-49 | |
A minimum of 60 credits is required for the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Outdoor Leadership will be able to:
- Evaluate their personal readiness for leadership through reflection on the synthesis of their course experience and by communicating leadership behaviors verbally and in writing.
- Explain the benefits of outdoor recreation for individual and community well-being.
- Evaluate risks associated with outdoor activities and identify methods to reduce and/or mitigate those risks.
- Demonstrate proficiency in technical backcountry skills necessary for outdoor recreation professionals in the student’s area of interest.
- Demonstrate proficiency in event/trip/field excursion planning and hosting.