“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”
Edward Abbey
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.
Learn more about SOU OAL Degrees:
The OAL program gave me the tools to follow my dreams, encouraging growth as an individual and as an adventure educator. During my time at SOU, I became certified as a Swiftwater and Ropes Rescue Technician, a USPA Skydive Tandem Instructor, and traveled to Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Norway, and Switzerland in pursuit of learning though experience.
When I chose to major in OAL I was making the choice to expand my world far beyond what I ever imagined. Within the classes I created a family, found myself, developed technical skills as well as interpersonal skills, and discovered what I truly love about being alive. Today, I no longer think that anything is impossible and I dare to follow my dreams.
The OAL program is more than just about taking exciting classes, its about connecting with my peers and instructors. My entire life I was taught to sit down and just listen to what the teachers say, in OAL the instructors teach you to think, speak your opinion, and provide opportunities to actually lead.
Studying OAL has allowed me to discover my true passion for the outdoors. By exposing me to activities such as sea kayaking, rock climbing and backcountry splitboarding and core courses like Backcountry Living Skills and Foundations in OAL, I now have the building blocks for pursuing a career and lifestyle in the outdoor industry.
SOU Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6526
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