COURSE CURRICULUM

This program is structured over four levels, each including a mix of general education electives and mandatory courses designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge in wilderness, tourism, and environmental stewardship. In Level 1, students take a 3-credit General Education elective alongside core courses such as Reason & Writing 1 focused on Tourism and Hospitality, Wildlife of North America, Advocacy and Leadership, Wilderness Survival and Bushcraft Skills, Ethical Wildlife Photography, and Field Course 1, laying a foundation in communication, leadership, and outdoor skills. Level 2 continues with another General Education elective and mandatory courses including Wilderness and Remote First Aid, Business Strategies and Corporate Partnerships, Client Services and Professional Ethics, Flora and Fauna, Environmental Sustainability, and Field Course 2, broadening understanding of safety, business, ecology, and sustainability within outdoor tourism contexts. In Level 3, students focus on Environmental Interpretation and Skills, Ecology and Conservation, Geology, Cartography, and GPS/GIS, Grant Research and Proposal Writing, Marketing and Market Research Basics, and Adventure Expedition in the fall, integrating scientific knowledge, communication, and practical expedition experience. Level 4 includes courses in Legislation and Protection Act, Interpretive Naturalist, Marketing 2, Group Assistance and Guiding, Indigenous Perspectives in Building Community, and Adventure Expedition in winter, preparing students for leadership and guiding roles in naturalist and tourism settings while fostering cultural awareness and legal understanding. This comprehensive curriculum ensures graduates are ready to work effectively in adventure tourism, environmental interpretation, and wilderness guiding roles with a strong foundation in practical skills, environmental knowledge, leadership, and community engagement.