Adventure Education
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Admissions Contact
Rachel Ahlmeyer Are you an International Student? |
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Program Contact
Angela Veatch |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Start Dates and Duration
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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.
What job can I get with a degree in Adventure Education?
Are you passionate about the outdoors, leadership, and making a real difference? A degree in Adventure Education from Springfield College isn't just a degree—it's your ticket to an exciting, meaningful career path that breaks free from traditional office walls.
With a Springfield College Adventure Education degree, you're choosing a lifestyle that combines professional growth with personal passion. Our comprehensive program equips you with the skills, certifications, and real-world experience to turn your love of adventure into a fulfilling career.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Duties of recreation workers vary by job title, level of training, and other factors. For example, camp counselors work directly with youths in overnight or day camps and guide participants in activities and interactions with others.
Recreation workers may specialize in a particular activity, such as swimming, drama, or arts and crafts. They also may organize and promote a number of recreation programs for one or more facilities. Some recreation workers assist others at every phase, such as by setting up equipment, helping participants during activities, and cleaning and maintaining the equipment or facility.
In addition, recreation workers sometimes have office duties. For example, they may assist participants in completing forms or create calendars and newsletters to promote certain activities or programs.
Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.
Social and community service managers work for a variety of organizations. Some of these organizations focus on working with a particular demographic, such as children, people who are homeless, older adults, or veterans. Others focus on helping people with particular challenges, such as substance abuse, mental health needs, and chronic hunger.
A routine part of social and community service managers’ job is to show that their programs and services are effective. They collect statistics and other information to evaluate the impact their programs have on the community or their target audience. They are usually required to report this information to administrators or funders. They may also use evaluations to identify opportunities to improve their programs, such as providing mentorship and assessments for their staff.
Strategic Provider
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Resume: Please include personal, educational, and professional achievements.
- 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.
- 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
