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Higher Education Leadership Concentration

Equip Exceptional Leaders

The Master of Arts in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership exists to equip exceptional leaders for Christian formation and ministry in an ever-changing, multicultural world, utilizing experiential learning methods. The Higher Education Concentration focuses on developing experientially inclined leaders for professional positions leading to student affairs and teaching in schools, colleges, and universities, with a special focus on emerging adult development and spiritual formation.

M.A. in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership - Higher Education Concentration graduates serve students in areas that include outdoor recreation, intramural sports, college ministry programs, outdoor orientation programs, residence life, and student leadership development. Some OAL graduates also serve as faculty while serving in these roles.

Explore Related Degree Programs 

Learning in Practice: Two Ways to Pursue Your Degree

  • Pursue your degree as a Flexible Learning Student, either while continuing in your current organization/position or while working with emerging adults at colleges, camps, or churches.
  • Pursue your degree while also participating in a Graduate Assistantship either on Wheaton College’s campus or at HoneyRock in northern Wisconsin.
Explore Graduate Assistantships   
Explore Flexible Learning Options

Study with Practically Experienced Faculty

  • Learn from committed faculty who set the industry standards for outdoor programming and student development in both secular and Christian contexts. 
  • Work alongside and receive mentorship from camp, student development and higher education professionals while earning your degree.  

Blend Experiential Learning and Higher Education

  • Options to concentrate on student affairs and higher education, or outdoor and adventure program leadership while gaining core skills in both fields.
  • Prepare for leadership in outdoor and experiential programming roles domiciled in colleges and other higher education, or other contexts such as churches, colleges, or other organizations working specifically with emerging adults.

Your Experiential Learning Process

Your degree will integrate deep thinking, research and reflection, with ministry and leadership application at HoneyRock, Wheaton College, or at your current workplace. 

OAL Higher Ed Course Requirements

OAL – Higher Education Concentration students complete 38 hours of credit to graduate. They include 26 hours of core courses, and 12 hours specific to the concentration.

26 credit hours - required core

12 hours specific to the concentration as follows:

Course Progression

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

     (0-4) Optional Electives with Advisors approval including:

Fall 2025

     (0-4) Optional Electives with Advisors approval including:

Spring 2026

     (0-4) Optional Electives with Advisors approval including: