Experiential Learning and Development (MEd)
PSU’s Master of Education (MEd) in Experiential Learning and Development serves professionals who seek to further their careers in such fields as outdoor adventure education, wilderness leadership, corporate experiential training, college or high-school outdoor programs, youth adventure programming or summer adventure recreation programming. This 34-credit degree is distance based, and is designed for students who are currently working in outdoor adventure education or a related field of experiential learning. Students who wish to pursue an adventure-related career in physical education or a similar field should consider the MEd in Physical Education, Adventure Learning concentration.
The program does not require students to complete coursework on the Plymouth, NH, campus. A portion of this degree is offered through partnerships with Project Adventure and High 5 Adventure Learning Center, two leading providers of professional training in adventure education. Students choose 8–12 credits of specialization component coursework that is taken directly through either Project Adventure or High 5 multi-day workshops. Remaining credits of the specialization component are comprised of guided projects and other customized learning experiences. Master’s core component courses, and the required Risk Management, Theories of Learning, and capstone courses are all completed in a distance format directly through PSU.
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Component | ||
| ED 5000 | Understanding Social Behaviors | 3 |
| ED 5010 | Philosophy, Ethics & Education | 3 |
| ED 5030 | Research Design | 3 |
| Experiential Learning Component | ||
| EE 5105 | Risk Management for Experiential Education | 3 |
| ED 5060 | Exploring Learning Theories and Cognitive Growth | 3 |
| Project Adventure/Approved Electives | 16 | |
| Capstone Experience | ||
| ED 6900 | Graduate Capstone Project | 3 |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- Display professional competence in adventure learning activities and instructional skills by demonstrating a grade of 3.0 or better in PA 5560 courses.
- Demonstrate effective teaching skills for a variety of adventure related lessons.
- Demonstrate competence in facilitation skills including assessment of client groups, planning and conducting adventure based learning experiences and promoting transference of learning.
- Discuss the various forms of diversity that can be found in an adventure learning group, and explain effective professional strategies for respecting this diversity and creating a safe and effective learning environment
- Explain Adventure Learning’s role as a social and individual change agent and discuss examples of this change observed in the conduct of adventure programming.
- Display an understanding of and practice professional standards of risk management, with a grade of 3.0 or better on the content exam in EE 5100 Risk Management in Experiential Education.
- Effectively advocate for adventure learning in their local community or educational setting.
Plymouth State’s MEd in Experiential Learning and Development serves professionals who seek to further their careers in such fields as outdoor adventure education, wilderness leadership, corporate experiential training, college or high school outdoor programs, youth adventure programming or summer adventure recreation programming.