Study Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Southern Oregon University

Check out the SOU Outdoor Adventure Leadership program student testimonial Video!

The Outdoor Adventure Leadership degree program inspires passion for self-development and transformation by providing opportunities to explore and learn leadership skills through outdoor adventure. The integrated curriculum provides transferable skills to all aspects of life through comprehensive coursework in technical skills, interpersonal development, communication, group dynamics, expedition planning, adventure programming, international experience, risk management, and social, environmental and economic stewardship.

SOU's Outdoor Adventure Program program offers the following degrees:

The outdoor adventure industry is rapidly expanding in all sectors including politically, economically and socially. Outdoor adventure and recreation falls within the tourism sector of Oregon’s economy and, according to the Oregon Tourism Commission, 95 percent of Oregonians believe the industry is important to Oregon’s economy. This sector contributed $8.8 billion in direct visitor spending in 2011. In addition, 82 percent of Oregonians see tourism as environmentally friendly, and 70 percent believe the industry improves the state’s quality of life. In addition, 66 percent of Oregonians voted for Measure 99, ensuring funding for Outdoor School Education. OAL graduates would be particularly prepared for the Outdoor Recreation component of the tourism industry. The Outdoor Industry Association reports that states such as Utah, Colorado, and Washington have recognized outdoor recreation as a core priority for the health of their citizens and economy, creating and investing in high-level positions charged with the dual role of supporting the outdoor industry and improving outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. Oregon is following suit by creating the Office of Outdoor Recreation to act as a central point of contact for recreation projects, land management agencies, the outdoor retail industry, and advocate for outdoor recreation for all Oregonians. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Earl Blumenauer introduced the “Recreation, Not Red Tape Act” in 2016 to help remove barriers to outdoor recreation, making it easier for more Americans to get outdoors and enjoy its benefits, and to generate jobs. The bill states that, “Congress supports the creation of outdoor recreation sector leadership positions within the economic development offices of States or in the Office of the Governor to guide the growth of this sector.” In addition, in December 2016, President Obama signed into law the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act, recognizing the outdoor recreation industry as a significant economic driver and instructing the Department of Commerce to assess and analyze the U.S. outdoor recreation economy, which supports an estimated six million jobs and $646 billion in economic activity. These trends clearly show a growing and diverse outdoor recreation industry and with an OAL degree, SOU students are shaping its future.