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.
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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
- OAL 503 Cultural Engagement (2)
- OAL 512 Leadership and Spiritual Formation (4)
- OAL 518 Assessment and Innovation (2)
- OAL 549 Program Philosophy and Planning (4)
- OAL 662 Theology and Practice of Outdoor Ministry (4)
- OAL 663 Organizational Leadership and Staff Development (4)
- BITH 565/566/576 Biblical or Theological Studies course (4)
- OAL 682 Integrative Seminar (2)
12 hours specific to the concentration as follows:
- OAL 534 Care and Counsel in Ministry (2) or HESD 608: Well-Being in Young Adults
- OAL 595 Foundations of Experiential Education (2) or HESD 546 Holistic Growth in College
- HESD 595 Higher Education Past, Present and Future (4)
- HESD 641 Emerging Adult Development (4)
Course Progression
Fall 2024
- OAL 512 Leadership and Spiritual Formation (4)
- OAL 549 Program Philosophy and Planning (4)
Spring 2025
- OAL 503 Cultural Engagement (2)
- OAL 595 Foundations of Experiential Education (2)
Or HESD 546 Holistic Growth in College: An Integrated Approach (2)
- OAL 662 Theology and Practice of Outdoor Ministry (4)
Summer 2025
(0-4) Optional Electives with Advisors approval including:
- BITH 565/566/576 Biblical or Theological Studies course as available (4)
Fall 2025
- OAL 663 Organizational Leadership and Staff Development (4)
- OAL 518 Assessment and Innovation (2)
- HESD 595 Higher Education Past, Present and Future (4)
(0-4) Optional Electives with Advisors approval including:
- BITH 565/566/576 Biblical or Theological Studies course as available (4)
Spring 2026
- OAL 534 Care and Counsel in Ministry (2)
Or HESD 608 Well-Being in Young Adults (2)
- OAL 682 Integrative Seminar (2)
- HESD 641 Emerging Adult Development (4)
(0-4) Optional Electives with Advisors approval including:
- BITH 565/566/576 Biblical or Theological Studies course as available (4)