About the Outdoor Leadership Minor
The outdoor leadership minor is a 17+ credit-hour program under the Haub School of
Environment and Natural Resources that can be added to any undergraduate degree at
UW. If you choose to pursue this minor, you’ll work with your peers to discuss ethics,
develop outdoor skills and practice decision-making. You’ll also complete various
outdoor certifications to help you land your ideal job after graduation.
Course fees may apply for the required Wilderness First Responder Certification and
other optional field experiences associated with this minor.
As an Outdoor Leadership student, you'll get to focus on topics relating to weather, climate and the broader environment. From conservation to diving deep into our world's water sources, you'll gain the knowledge it takes to be an outdoor professional. Here is just a small sampling of the courses you can take:
- Introduction to Outdoor Leadership
- Expedition Leadership
- Introduction to Rock Climbing
- Backcountry Skiing & Winter Travel
- Wilderness First Responder
The University of Wyoming’s outdoor leadership faculty bring a wealth of experience in outdoor education, wilderness expedition leadership and technical outdoor skills. Through hands-on instruction and extended wilderness expeditions, students learn to navigate challenging environments, develop practical outdoor skills and build the leadership and decision-making abilities needed to guide others in the outdoors. With experienced instructors leading field trips and providing real-world learning opportunities, students gain the confidence and skills to lead safe, meaningful outdoor experiences.
Learn more about the amazing people who help run the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources!
What can you do with an outdoor leadership minor?
The outdoor leadership minor teaches students how to apply leadership skills and strong decision-making in a variety of outdoor settings. While these skills can be used in a wide range of career paths, many of our students pursue jobs where they can be outside and/or teach others how to enjoy the natural wonders of the world. Our grads often pursue careers at national and state parks, the US National Forest Service and with local outdoor adventure organizations.
- Outdoor Adventure Guide
- Wilderness Expedition Leader
- Environmental Educator
- Park Ranger
- Camp Director or Staff
- Outdoor Program Coordinator
- Adventure Travel Specialist
- Ecotourism Guide
- Search and Rescue Team Member
- Recreation Program Director
- Wilderness Therapy Leader
- Nature or Wildlife Interpreter
- Team-Building Facilitator
- Conservation Field Staff
- Field Educator at Teton Science Schools
- Project Coordinator at Wyoming Conservation Corps
- Law Enforcement Park Ranger at Tennessee State Parks
- Owner of Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service
- Lead Environmental Educator at Portland Audubon
- Mountain Guide at Exum Mountain Guides
- Forestry Technician at US National Forest Service
- Ski Patroller at Snowy Range Ski Area
- Snowboard Guide at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- OHV Ranger at US National Forest Service
- Instructor at National Outdoor Leadership School
- Wildland Firefighter at Bureau of Land Management
- Research Scientist at Wyoming Migration Initiative
- Assistant Mountain Guide at Wyoming Mountain Guides
Yes! This program builds skills in communication, risk management and environmental education, making it a great fit for careers in conservation, park services, ecotourism and environmental outreach. It adds valuable field-based experience.
Minor students can also earn class credit for participating in outdoor education expedition courses offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), like Patagonia Sea Kayaking, Alaska Backpacking and Baja Coastal Sailing.
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.