Movement Science Degree, Adventure Education Concentration, B.S.

Overview

Adventure Education administers an experiential curriculum to provide an outdoor education degree for traditional and alternative teaching methods both in the classroom and in the field. This meets the needs of the student’s technical and theoretical foundation of becoming a professional in the field of outdoor adventure leadership.

Topics Covered

  • Leisure Theory and Value 
  • Wilderness Ethics 
  • Principles of Survival 
  • Camping and Backpacking Concepts

Program Highlights 

Participation in activities such as Kayaking, Ski Touring and Snowshoeing, Bicycling, Camping, Orienteering, and Rock Climbing, among others (student choice)! 

Additionally, students are required to complete an Internship (6 credits) during their senior year. 

Outcomes

Preparation for careers in outdoor education, recreation and those tied to the leisure industry (lead field and adventure trips). 

  • 120

    credits

  • Experiential

    Curriculum

  • Camp

    in the Berkshires

Requirements

Movement Science Major Core (27 credits)

All majors in the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance must complete the twenty-seven (27) credits of courses specified below. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the Major Core is required to be eligible to graduate with a degree from the department.

Scientific Foundations (21 credits)

Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)

The courses listed below are concentration-specific and must be taken depending on the concentration you are studying.

Cultural Competence (3 credits)

The courses listed below are concentration-specific and must be taken depending on the concentration you are studying.

Professional Development Procedures

In order to progress through the Movement Science majors, students must meet the academic and professional development criteria necessary to earn intermediate and advanced standing in the department.

Intermediate Standing

Requirements for Intermediate Standing to progress through the Movement Science majors are as follows:

  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following courses:
  • MOVP 0100 - Science of Physical Activity and Health
  • MOVP 0194 - Musculoskeletal Structure and Function
  •  Additional Requirements:Student Acknowledgement Form Copy of Degree Evaluation First Aid/CPR Certification Earn a minimum of 12 Professional Development points across four (4) different areas (Academic, Clinical, Professional, Social Justice; three in each area) Writing Sample (ENGL 0101; graded B- or higher) Additional requirements that are specific to Physical Education can be found on the Physical Education concentration page.

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing is required for those completing an internship, ATEP clinical experience, or student teaching practicum. The requirements are as follows:

  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Major Core area (27 credits)
  • Minimum GPA of 2.7 in the courses required within the chosen concentration (Physical Education requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 within the concentration)
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.8
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume
  • First Aid / CPR Certification
  • Membership in a professional organization
  • Earn a minimum of 16 Professional Development Points across four different areas (Academic, Clinical, Professional, Social Justice; four in each area)
  • Three (3) Faculty Recommendations and two (2) additional recommendations from outside the department

Additional requirements for Physical Education students can be found on the Physical Education concentration page.

Additional information can be found in the SMHP Department manual.

Adventure Education Concentration

Adventure Education administers an experiential curriculum of traditional and alternative teaching methods both in the classroom and in the field that meets the needs of the individual student's technical and theoretical foundation of becoming a professional in the field of outdoor adventure leadership. This concentration prepares students for careers in outdoor education and to lead field trips and adventure trips within the leisure industry.

Required Course List:

 

One of the following:

 

One of the following:

 

As well as three activities’ courses from the following list: 3-5 Credits

 

Also required is:

 

Note:

In consultation with advisor, students may want to pursue a minor in Biology, Business, or Environmental Science.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will understand and demonstrate cultural competence.
  • Students will understand the need for and will demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communications and be able to utilize different forms of current technology.
  • Students will use reflective practices to plan, implement and evaluate program, personal, community and professional goals.
  • Students will demonstrate an ability to explain the relevance of scientific and theoretical knowledge appropriate to his/her chosen field of study to everyday problems.
  • Students will utilize critical inquiry to advance knowledge and apply that knowledge to practice.
  • Students will understand the importance of and will engage in professional behaviors including pursuit of appropriate credentials.
  • Students will understand the role of Physical Activity in the Health and Wellness of individuals across the lifespan.
  • Students will value and participate in Civic Engagement.
A Westfield State student on the rock wall

Still have questions?

Program Director:
Dr. Kevin Tatsugawa
ktatsugawa@westfield.ma.edu