Minnesota State is one of the first American schools to offer a master's degree in experiential education. Beginning the program in 1971, MSU Mankato has had decades to hone and improve this field. A bachelor's degree can also be earned in experiential education at this school. At Minnesota State Mankato, practicality is combined with analysis and critical thinking. The university provides you with hands-on experience so that you can learn in the same way that you will eventually teach, and directs graduates toward jobs in experiential education in a variety of fields, from outdoor teaching to guide work and positions at alternative schools.
Idaho State University offers a master or a bachelor degree in experiential education, also called the outdoor education program. Students who want to utilize their degree with a job that involves teaching outdoors should consider Idaho State University because of the school's proximity to natural resources such as Yellowstone National Park, the Wasatch Mountains, and the City of Rocks. Extreme sporting courses are also available in conjunction with the experiential education program at Idaho State University, including classes on kayaking and rock climbing.
Prescott College provides breadth and depth in its experiential education program, through which you can obtain a master or bachelor degree. Classes at this school are small, giving you access to professors to ask questions and have discussions. Experiential teaching often requires close student-teacher interaction, and Prescott College allows you to learn by example. Theoretical and outdoor adventure courses are available, preparing you for careers in outdoor leadership and more conventional analytical education alike. Outward bound is a common employer of Prescott experiential education graduates.
Brevard College offers master or bachelor degrees in wilderness leadership and experiential education. Many students at Brevard choose to mix courses from both of these related disciplines to enrich their education. Brevard College emphasizes community responsibility in its students and imparts them not only with the skills to teach but the skills to lead. This program also emphasized theory and models its educational framework after liberal arts colleges, prioritizing breadth of study and critical thinking.