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.
Learn all about our different programs, course offerings and initiatives.
Dr. Curt Davidson is an accomplished professor, author and outdoorsman who leads UW’s
outdoor leadership program.
Curt's love of the outdoors started when he worked as a mountaineering ranger with
the United States Forest Service. Since then, he has worked for over a dozen adventure
education and guiding programs across the globe. His research topics include character
education, experiential learning and mental health and wellness.
Curt is the author of several books, including the Behavioral First Responder Certification,
Behavior and Group Management in Experiential Education and the Outdoor Facilitator's
Handbook. When he isn’t teaching or writing, you can find him skiing, climbing or
sailing.
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.
