OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Jude Hirsch, Chair
Professors: Jude Hirsch
Associate Professors: Jeff Turner
Assistant Professors: Will Hobbs
Lecturers: Liz Speelman

Department Contact Information:
Georgia College
College of Health Sciences
Campus Box 121
Milledgeville, GA 31061
478-445-1226
Outdoor Education Department Web site
Outdoor Center at Georgia College Web site
Chair, Jude Hirsch, jude.hirsch@gcsu.edu

MISSION

The mission of the Department of Outdoor Education is to provide a learning community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to the development of professional outdoor educators who are grounded in the liberal arts tradition at Georgia College. The Department is committed to exemplary teaching, scholarship, service, and practice that promotes holistic wellness, fosters stewardship of natural environments, and creates opportunities for positive change. We ascribe to the principles of experiential education set forth by The Association for Experiential Education and believe that professionalism is central to the pursuit of excellence.

Outdoor education academic programs at Georgia College develop professional outdoor educators committed to innovative and authentic leadership. Students learn through direct experience and meaningful relationships with other students, faculty, community members, and the natural and cultural settings in which outdoor educators practice. Our graduates create opportunities for positive change in individuals, communities, and society.

Outdoor Education academic programs and the Outdoor Center at Georgia College are a Program of Distinction at Georgia College, recognized by peers and students as providing distinctive niches in the academic environment.

ACCREDITATION

The B.S. in Outdoor Education, M.Ed. in Kinesiology: Outdoor Education Administration and the Outdoor Center at Georgia College are accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). The AEE Accreditation Program is the nation's first accreditation process focusing on adventure-based programs. AEE accreditation serves the public, the profession of experiential education, and the organization under review. Outdoor programs at GC were first accredited in 1997 and received the AEE Organization of the Year Award in 2006 for program excellence, contribution to the field, and ethical practice.

CAREER INFORMATION

Graduates from the B.S. in Outdoor Education are qualified for entry-level positions in recreation, education, corporate, and therapeutic organizations that use outdoor and adventure education to enhance their missions. In addition to completing the major requirements, student career options are further enhanced by the selection of a specialization normally in therapeutic use of adventure, management, health & physical education, or environmental education. Specialization selection also prepares graduates to be strong applicants for advanced degrees such as psychology, social work, business, physical education, or environmental sciences.

ADMISSION AND RETENTION

The B.S. in the Department of Outdoor Education is a competitive, upper level application program. Students are considered Outdoor Education pre-majors until the application for admission has been approved. Admission to the program may be limited based on availability of qualified faculty and maintaining student to faculty ratios required by accreditation standards, therefore all students who may not be admitted. Agencies where practical experiences take place may require students to undergo a criminal background check, urine drug screens and to meet the CDC standards for immunizations for health care professionals. Agencies may refuse any student based on inability to meet these guidelines or other agency guidelines.

Outdoor Education pre-majors complete a formal application prior to receiving approval to enroll in the block semester. Application to a minor in outdoor education may be submitted any time before the student has completed 60 credit hours.

A complete application includes the following:

Application form (on line)
Two letters of recommendation (original signatures)
Current resume
Personal statement and/or interview
Fitness test and background check
Agreement to the expectations and responsibilities in the current Outdoor Education Student Handbook
Agreement to adhere to accredited policy

Students must obtain grades of C or better on all Area F, major and specialization courses and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative Grade Point Average. In the event that a student’s GPA falls below 2.5 the student shall have one semester to raise the GPA above 2.5. If it remains below 2.5 after that time, the student will be exited from the program. Re-application is possible once the GPA is at an acceptable level. Readmission into the program is not guaranteed.

WELLNESS COURSES AND LIFETIME ACTIVITIES

The Department of Outdoor Education is committed to the concept of holistic health. In keeping with this commitment, elective courses are offered which support the Liberal Arts mission of the institution and provide the individual with the knowledge and skills to enable them to achieve optimal health.

DEGREES AND MINORS OFFERED

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

For more information about academic programs, career options, minors, application procedures, student organizations, and the Outdoor Center at Georgia College visit the Department of Outdoor Education Web site.