Bachelor in Outdoor Adventure Leadership

Bachelor in Outdoor Adventure Leadership

The Outdoor Adventure Leadership degree is designed to prepare students for careers in a wide variety of leadership settings with hands-on learning activities. The program develops student’s skills in group dynamics, leadership principles, educational philosophy, as well as teaching and communication. This degree combines the study of educational and leadership theory and practice with technical outdoor travel and adventure. Students will acquire and enhance environmental skills and knowledge related to a variety of populations including senior citizens and youth at risk; and explore issues ranging from ethical controversies and risk management to program design.

Specialized skills acquired with Outdoor Adventure Leadership include sequencing, facilitation, and processing of activities, with specific attention to transferring the learning from activity-based experiences to the “real lives” of participants. In addition, the ability to safely engage in and provide outdoor activities and effectively teach skills in outdoor and indoor settings are central to the degree.

An Outdoor Adventure Leadership degree will allow the student to teach outdoor skills to others, safely oversee outdoor programs, and design programs for corporate and community organizations while preparing students for Professions with agencies that have a natural resource base foundation and public and private entities for utilizing the outdoors.

Montana State University Billings has been an integral part of the Billings community and a student-centered learning environment since its early days as Eastern Montana College. Founded in 1927, the university continues to nurture a longstanding tradition of educational access, teaching excellence, civic engagement and community enhancement in an urban setting. In the classroom and in the community, students receive a well-rounded unique education and training for Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for careers through the University’s five colleges — arts and sciences, business, allied health professions, education, and technology.

General Information

Set in the largest city in the state, Montana State University Billings and the community of Billings combine for a unique college experience: engaged and encouraging faculty; friendly people; a supportive community; and incredible educational opportunities. Residents of Billings have a long track record of supporting the university through scholarships, internships, and civic engagement. A regional retail, financial and medical hub, Billings offers a vast array of job opportunities, personal connections and leadership opportunities via three campuses spread through the city. Life on the main campus mirrors that of Billings: Students are happy to mingle on some of the 110 park-like acres at the base of the spectacular Rimrocks or take part in a variety of cultural, service, athletic or educational activities. Whether a motivated honors student or first-generation attendee, all learners will find challenges that fulfill both individual goals and societal needs.

Core Purpose

To assure that all members of the university community reach their individual potential

Mission

MSU Billings provides a university experience characterized by:

• Excellent Teaching
• Support for Individual Learning
• Engagement in Civic Responsibility
• Intellectual, Cultural, Social & Economic Community Enhancement

Vision

Montana State University Billings will be recognized as a regional leader for:

• Teaching & Learning
• Translating Knowledge into Practice
• Researching for the Future
• Accepting Leadership for Intellectual, Cultural, Social & Economic Development Beyond University Boundaries

Core Values

Integrity MSU Billings’ actions are ethical & principled to assure dignity & equity for all Educational Excellence MSU Billings provides distinctive programs & challenging educational experiences for a diverse university community Student Achievement MSU Billings provides academic support & administrative services to foster academic & professional achievement of the university community Community of Learners MSU Billings respects & nurtures variety in intellectual contribution & scholarship enriching both the university & its extended community Meaningful Engagement MSU Billings supports all members of the university community in their individual growth toward confidence, individual sense of purpose & acceptance of civic responsibilities Responsiveness MSU Billings meets the changing needs of our learners with informed action & innovation based on current standards of educational & technical excellence

University Strategic Initiatives

Programs Create and maintain distinctive, vital academic programs and services for 21st Century learners. Faculty Excellence Cultivate excellence in & outside the classroom, in scholarly endeavors & exemplary service through faculty & staff development, support for scholarship, continuing assessment, & recognition of professional service. Needs of Learners Identify the needs of all learners & provide access to a university experience that fulfills both individual goals & societal needs. Social Equity Model social equity and consciousness by assuring that all members of our campus community grow because of their University experience. Research Initiatives Increase the stature, professionalism & research initiatives of all academic programs & student services. Economic Access Augment local, state & regional economic development through the strength of the University’s financial base & our learners’ contributions to their communities. Global Engagement Increase staff, faculty & student awareness, understanding, & involvement in the international community. University Infrastructure Ensure an administrative, operational and physical infrastructure that fully supports excellence.