Outdoor Leadership

Why study Outdoor Leadership?

Based in one of the most remarkable outdoor settings in the western United States, the COCC Outdoor Leadership programs cover outdoor ethics, technical skills, facilitation and risk management essentials, Wilderness First Responder certification, and the fundamentals of expedition readiness, all underscored by an emphasis on personal growth and self-reliance. The longest-running discipline of its kind in Oregon, Outdoor Leadership at COCC is an ideal springboard for outdoor and recreation careers. It is also a strong foundation for many leadership-focused professional paths.

"I have grown more this year than all my previous 19 years combined."

Kelsie Meithof Voorhees, COCC Outdoor Leadership student

Through outdoor classrooms and field experiences client-oriented exercises, and a series of five-day expeditions in the mountains and rivers of Central Oregon, students refine new competences in navigation, outdoor living skills, expedition planning, and risk management as they participate in canoe touring, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and other wilderness pursuits.

Outside of degree programs, the COCC Outdoor Leadership program also offers annual trainings for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts in avalanche level 1 and avalanche level 2 courses as well as in Wilderness Medical Society wilderness first-aid/Wilderness First Responder certification. 

Outdoor Leadership

FUTURE STUDENTS

Learn more about attending Central Oregon Community College.


Program-Specific Information

Outdoor Leadership prepares professionals to provide adventurous, challenging, and educational opportunities in natural areas. Program completers tend to work in positions related to outdoor recreation, outdoor education, adventure education, wilderness therapy, and outdoor tourism and leisure.

Students can earn a concentrated one-year certificate through the annual cohort (capped at 24 students) or combine the cohort with a year’s worth of prerequisite studies to yield either an Associate of Science degree (transfers to Oregon State University) or an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree.

Unique Features

 

CAREER INFORMATION

Outdoor Leadership

Explore career paths in Outdoor Leadership.

Career Paths in Outdoor Leadership

STUDENT STORIES

Eduardo Romero

Hear from Outdoor Leadership students and graduates.

Student and Alumni Stories

MEET OUR FACULTY

Tim Peterson Tossing Snow Slab to Student

Learn about faculty backgrounds and expertise.

Faculty Profiles

Contacts

Health and Human Performance Department
541-383-7760
Department Directory

Tim Peterson
Program Director, Outdoor Leadership
541-383-7421
tmpeterson@cocc.edu

How to Pay for College

Our Financial Aid staff can guide you through ways to pay for college.

 

Learn More

COCC's Admissions Specialists provide webinars and virtual sessions to learn more about COCC.