What Can You Do with an Outdoor Education Degree?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to turn your love of the great outdoors into a rewarding career? The demand for outdoor education professionals is growing, driven by an increasing desire for authentic, outdoor experiences, environmental conservation, and wellness-focused activities. 

A degree in outdoor education not only offers the chance to explore nature but can also empower you to teach, inspire, and make a positive impact on the environment. 

If you’ve been wondering what you can do with an outdoor education degree, explore the potential career paths and the opportunities associated with outdoor education. 

Career Opportunities with an Outdoor Education Degree

An outdoor education degree opens the door to a wide variety of career paths that operate at the intersection of education, recreation, and environmental conservation.

With increasing awareness about the importance of outdoor experiences, sustainability, and healthy lifestyles, outdoor education professionals are in high demand across schools, government agencies, recreation programs, and non-profit organizations.

Here are several career options for outdoor education degree holders.

Outdoor Education Instructor

Outdoor educators teach outdoor skills such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and wilderness survival. They also plan outdoor trips and provide safety training. Relevant job information and requirements include the following:

• Skills: Knowledge of outdoor activities, leadership, communication, and risk management
• Salary: The average median salary in 2023 was $34,410, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• Job Outlook: 5% growth projected between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS
• Requirements: Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, or specific outdoor certification, such as Wilderness First Responder. These certifications are not always required

Environmental Educator

Environmental educators inform the public about environmental conservation, teach environmental science in schools, or work with non-profit organizations to promote sustainability. Relevant job information and requirements include the following:

• Skills: Strong communication, environmental science knowledge, and passion for conservation
• Salary: According to the BLS, the average median salary was $88,410 in 2023
• Job Outlook: 4% growth between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS
• Requirements: Additional coursework or certifications in environmental science may be required

Camp Director

Camp directors manage outdoor recreation facilities, design programs, and oversee staff. Relevant job information and requirements include the following:

• Skills: Leadership, organizational, and budgeting skills
• Salary: According to the U.S. BLS, the 2023 median annual salary was $73,460
• Job Outlook: 11% growth projected between 2023 and 2023, according to the BLS
• Requirements: Some managerial experience or certifications in outdoor recreation

Adventure Guide/Leader

Adventure guides lead outdoor adventure trips such as hiking, kayaking, or mountaineering. Relevant job information and requirements include the following:

• Skills: Outdoor leadership, physical endurance, and navigation skills
• Salary: According to the BLS, the median 2023 wage was $36,060
• Job Outlook: 3% growth projected between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS
• Requirements: Experience in outdoor activities and specific guiding certifications, such as Wilderness First Aid, Adventure Guiding

Forester

Foresters enforce environmental laws, protect natural resources, and ensure sustainable outdoor practices. Relevant job information and requirements include the following: 

• Skills: Law enforcement, environmental science knowledge, and public education
• Salary: According to the BLS, foresters had a median annual salary of $67,330 in 2023
• Job Outlook: 5% growth projected between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS
• Requirements: Additional training in law enforcement may be required, along with certifications in environmental protection

These career paths showcase the diversity and potential of what you can do with an outdoor education degree, offering opportunities in leadership, environmental stewardship, and adventure-based roles. 

Skills Acquired Through an Outdoor Education Degree

An outdoor education degree equips students with a broad set of skills essential for success in the field. 

Core skills include the following:

• Leadership
• Risk management
• Outdoor survival techniques
• Environmental stewardship
• Effective teaching strategies

Earning additional certifications, such as Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Leave No Trace, boosts job prospects and demonstrates a high level of expertise. 

The degree program also emphasizes hands-on experience through internships, fieldwork, and capstone projects, providing students with practical knowledge and the confidence to handle real-world challenges in education, recreation, and environmental conservation. 

Take the First Step Toward an Exciting Career in Outdoor Education

If you’re wondering what you can do with an outdoor education degree, check out the Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education at New England College. 

This program offers a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience that is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and recreation—a field that generated more than $1 trillion in economic output in 2023, per the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). 

Students in this program will explore the main areas of outdoor education, examine outdoor education history, learn how to create intentional learning experiences, and develop the acumen needed when faced with a wilderness first-responder situation. They will also have the chance to engage in internships and practicums that enable students to practice learned skills in a real-time environment.  

With the growing demand for skilled outdoor professionals, now is the perfect time to pursue your passion. Explore how this degree program can help you turn your love of nature and the environment into a fulfilling career.