Why Study Outdoor Education, Leadership & Tourism at Vermont State?
- Only Program in the U.S.: We have the only university degree program in the country to be accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). Additionally, the Concentration in Mountain Resort Management is the only degree program of its kind, with two tracks to choose from: mountain operations or resort management.
- Great Job Options: In our program, you’ll get high-caliber preparation for rewarding jobs in outdoor education and resort management through internships at top-notch locations in Vermont, New Hampshire, Colorado, Alaska, and other places. Alumni from this program have worked at Yellowstone, Ski The East, Park City Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Outdoor Leadership Institute, Stowe Mountain Resort, and many more.
- National Certifications: You can increase your career opportunities by pursuing one or more certifications through the program. Some certifications you can prepare for include canoeing, kayaking, climbing, Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace, Challenge Course Practitioner, and others.
- Perfect Location: You’ll study, work, and play in the heart of Vermont, near some of the region’s most scenic terrain. We’re just minutes from Kingdom Trails and Burke Mountain, 40 miles from Franconia Notch, and 50 miles from Mount Washington.
- Close-Knit Community: Students and faculty in the program are supportive and form a tight-knit community. This can help you adjust to college life, find a mentor, build friendships, and increase your professional network for success.
Concentrations in Outdoor Education, Leadership & Tourism, B.S.
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Take A Deeper Look
Accreditation
Vermont State’s Outdoor Education, Leadership & Tourism program is the only university program in the country to currently be accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). This accreditation applies specifically to Vermont State’s rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing, and backcountry ski programs.
The AMGA Accreditation Program ensures conformance to high technical standards, strong programs, and a quality staff of AMGA-certified and engaged and engaging climbing instructors and guides.
Sample Courses
- Internship in Outdoor Education, Leadership, & Tourism
- Leadership and Small Group Dynamics
- Mountain Resort Management Practicum
- Wilderness First Responder
- Fundamentals of Alpine Climbing
- Summer Mountain Operations
Related Programs
Student Stories
“If you’re willing to work hard, the professors can help you find a job after college that you’ll really like, and they have the connections to help you get that job. I feel like I’m ready to take on any outdoor job, anything where I’m outside and working with kids, which (the program) has completely prepared me for.”
Marie Vaine
“You know the professors. They’re like friends who teach us things. I like how work-centered the whole program is. It’s real-life and very practical knowledge. You’re going to need all of the things you learn here forever if you choose to stay in the resort business.”
Emma Moore
“The program was very hands-on, which was what I was looking for. The classes are very well thought out, and the curriculum made a lot of sense. And the staff had a lot of experience to share and could answer any question you had.”
Jess Barber
“The mentorship and community are tight-knit and the OELT program really shaped me. The networking is phenomenal, too — the faculty help you get to where you want to go. Every professor knows you here, and it’s really great to get to know them, too.”
John Willard
Meet Our Faculty
Professor & Program Coordinator: Outdoor Education, Leadership, and Tourism
Lyndon Campus
