Outdoor Education at Idaho State University

General information

What better place to pursue a degree in Outdoor Education! Idaho State University is in the epicenter of some of the finest outdoor resources in the country.

Within an easy drive are: Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Craters of the Moon, City of Rocks, and the great powder ski areas of the Wasatch Mountains. And just right outside the city limits of Pocatello are dozens of great mountain biking trails, a Yurt system for overnight stays, and back-country skiing that's out of this world.

Want to learn more? Read on . . .

Quality education is standard at Idaho State University. The Rock Climbing and Mountaineering courses are taught by American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) certified instructors. Kayaking, Kayak Touring, and Swiftwater River Rescue courses are taught by American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructors.

The importance of taking care of our environment is emphasized through Leave No Trace (LNT) courses instructed by a Master Trainer; class participants become certified as LNT Trainers. One requirement of the outdoor emphasis is to become certified in wilderness medicine. We offer either Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

Idaho State University is home base for the National Outdoor Book Awards--the largest and most prestigious outdoor book award program in the nation. It was founded by Ron Watters, who teaches our Outdoor Literature courses.

Many of the required and elective courses for outdoor education are taught in the field, in the environment where students will be working and educating in the future. A key to being a successful outdoor educator is having the ability to teach others how to succeed in difficult situations. With practicum and leadership experience implemented through experiential education, students gain the skills needed for problem solving and group management.

Idaho State offers the complete package to prepare students for a career in the outdoor industry: wilderness medicine, experience teaching through practicum and leadership, leave no trace certification, risk management and an area that enables students to walk out the door and build their resume. Graduates will have a competitive advantage for careers due to the quality instructors, experiential education, and phenomenal location only Idaho State can provide.