The Master of Science in Education degree with an emphasis in outdoor education is designed to equip teachers, youth leaders, and outdoor professionals for success in a nature setting. You will learn to maximize the potential of the "outdoor classroom," increase your skill set for helping children and teens solve real-life problems, and develop practical skills such as outdoor site development.
The Emphasis in Outdoor Education is offered as two-week summer intensives with post-session assignments. Students typically can complete the program in three consecutive summers.
Summer field school: This intensive is held in June. Usually the first week is held on campus and the second week is at an off-site location.
For information about Forest Kindergarten and Forest School Classes, please contact Dr. Monty Murdoch at mmurdoch@southern.edu or 423.236.2984.
Bachelor's degree: A bachelor’s degree (in any area) from an accredited program
GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Application deadlines
All application steps are to be fully completed by the dates listed.
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Term
U.S. Residents
International
Summer
April 1
Not Applicable
Fall
July 1
Not Applicable
Winter
October 1
Not Applicable
How to Apply
Submit a graduate application (with non-refundable fee of $40)
Submit official college and university transcripts. Many institutions subscribe to the convenient transcript-request service at National Student Clearinghouse, or you may also contact your institution directly. Have transcripts sent to the Graduate and Professional Studies office (gradtranscripts@southern.edu).
If you earned your prerequisite degree at Southern, you do not need to complete this step.
Submit two recommendation forms (completed by work supervisors or professors). This should be done as part of the online application process.
Submit the Criminal-Record Release and Declaration. Your signature on this form gives the School of Education and Psychology permission to retain your criminal-history record and affirms that you are not a registered sex-offender.
Since the Outdoor Education program is offered in 10-day intensives, the part-time schedule does not meet student-visa requirements for international students.
Housing
Dormitory housing is available at a rate of $18 per night. Payment must be made upon arrival, and any arrangements for reimbursement must be made directly with your Conference Education Office. Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Mrs. Lisa Patterson at 423.236.2990. Married student housing also available upon request.
