Adventure Education | Springfield College

Adventure Education

Master of Education
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions & Events
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • 33-credit program
    • 24 credits are online
    • Up to 9 credits can be earned by attending professional development workshops at high-quality adventure agencies
  • Program curriculum
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester), January, (spring semester), or May (summer semester)
  • Attend full or part time
  • Complete in 2-3 years or learn at your own pace
Paying for Your Education
Upcoming Events

Graduate Open House
Thursday, November 7 at noon or 5 p.m.
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, November 12 at 5 p.m.
Register

Resources for Military & Veteran Students Information Session
Thursday, November 14 at 5 p.m.
Register

Adventure Education Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, December 4 at 6 p.m.
Register
 

Springfield College students climbing at East campus

The online Master of Education (MEd) in Adventure Education at Springfield College is designed to promote career advancement, enhance an earned related undergraduate degree, and/or to provide advanced academic training for individuals employed or planning to seek employment as physical educators, recreation leaders, and/or youth development professionals in academic, community, and youth serving agencies.

Graduate students enrolled in this program will choose adventure education to refine and enhance their knowledge and skills in the use of adventure and team development. The core of the adventure education graduate degree centers around critical components within the field: theory, risk assessment, programmatic design and implementation of experiential education programs. The selective portion of the curriculum is designed for students to work with their advisors to select courses that meet their individual academic, personal and professional needs.

As a culminating experience, all students will complete a capstone project. The capstone requirement is meant to synthesize the scope of knowledge, theory, and skills developed across the breadth of the program and allow students the opportunity to put theory into practice and engage with the community. Capstone proposals and projects will be unique to the student and their current or anticipated professional experiences. Comprehensive capstone proposals and projects are accomplished with consultation and direction provided by the faculty.

As part of this online degree program, we are proud to offer the option for students to complete up to 9 credits through professional development workshops with high quality adventure agencies. These experiences can be completed at convenient times in the student’s professional schedule. To earn these credits, the student must be accepted into the degree program and enrolled in one online course within the Adventure Education program core. Students will work with the program director to examine prior experiences or identify and complete workshops aligned with curriculum outcomes. Students with experiences completed in the prior 3 years must provide evidence of the content, assignments, and completion of specific hours to the program director. The cost of converting these experiences into credits will be a $175 assessment fee, per credit. It is imperative, again, that students work with the program director for consultation and review in this process.

“If you are a physical education teacher or outdoor adventure professional, this online Adventure Education degree was designed for you. This unique program intentionally blends professional development workshops provided by high-quality outdoor adventure agencies and meaningful online courses that culminate with an applied project focused on your professional work. If you are looking to gain more experience while you pursue a graduate degree or professional licensure then this program has been designed to help you reach your goals.” Ted France III, Professor of Physical Education
Ted France - Springfield College

 Strategic Provider

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High 5 Adventure in Vermont

High 5 Adventure Learning Center located in Brattleboro, Vermont, is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals, schools, teams, and communities use adventure experiences as an effective tool for improving the way they live, learn, work, and lead together.

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include personal, educational, and professional achievements. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Fall

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Spring

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1

Summer

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1