Undergraduate Certificate in Outdoor Leadership

This program is delivered only through Prince William Sound College.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Outdoor Leadership is a one-year program focused on specific technical skills and the foundations of outdoor recreation for work in a professional setting such as tourism, outdoor recreation and guiding.

Admission Requirements

Graduation Requirements

KIN A161Wilderness First Responder4
KIN A262Foundations of Outdoor Recreation3
KIN A280Leadership in Kinesiology3
KIN A287Leadership in Outdoor Recreation Activities2
PER A170Backpack Alaska3
PER A171Outdoor Adventure in Alaska2
Outdoor Skills Electives13
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
Beginning Mountaineering
Crevasse Rescue Techniques
Avalanche Theory II
Intermediate Sea Kayaking
Advisor approved elective(s)
Total30

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the certificate.  

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with an Undergraduate Certificate 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.