Experiential and Outdoor Education (EOE)

Below are directions to the Biltmore Park instructional site and the Cullowhee main campus, as well as tentative class dates.
Directons to Cullowhee Main Campus
Directions to Biltmore Park Instructional Site

Tentative Fall 2024 Dates
Cohort  5 Face-to-Face; All-Day Sessions for EOE 500, EOE 501, EOE 502 & EOE 503)
EOE 500 – 5-day intensive (August 19-23) (Cullowhee)
Weekend 1 – September 6/7 (Cullowhee)
Weekend 2 – October 4/5 (Biltmore Park)
Weekend 3 - November 8/9 (Cullowhee)
Weekend 4 – December 6/7 (Biltmore Park)
**Cohort 4 Thesis and Project Oral Proposals are October 3 & 4 at Biltmore Park

Tentative Spring 2025
(Cohort 5 Face-to-Face; All Day Sessions for EOE 600, EOE 601, and EOE 602)
Weekend 1 – January 17/18 (Cullowhee)
Weekend 2 – February 14/15 (Cullowhee)
Weekend 3 – March 21/22 (Biltmore Park)
Weekend 4 – April 24/25/26 (Biltmore Park) *3 Days
**Cohort 4 Thesis and Project Defenses are March 20 & 21 at Biltmore Park
***Optional elective faculty-led-travel course: EOE 628: Scholarly Writing Intensive for EOE; Edisto Island, SC; January 18-25, 2025

Tentative Fall 2025
(Cohort 6 Face-to-Face; All Day Sessions for EOE 500, EOE 501, EOE 502, and EOE 503)
EOE 500 – 5-day intensive (August 18-22) (Cullowhee)
Weekend 1 – September 5-6 (Cullowhee)
Weekend 2 – October 3-4 (Biltmore Park)
Weekend 3 – November 14-15 (Cullowhee)
Weekend 4 – December 5-6 (Biltmore Park)
**Cohort 5 Thesis and Project Oral Proposals are October 1, 2, & 3 at Biltmore Park

Tentative Spring 2026
(Cohort 6 Face-to-Face; All Day Sessions for EOE 600, EOE 601, and EOE 602)
Weekend 1 – January 16/17 (Cullowhee)
Weekend 2 – February 13/14 (Cullowhee)
Weekend 3 – March 20/21 (Biltmore Park)
Weekend 4 – April 23, 24 & 25 (Biltmore Park) *3 Days
**Cohort 5 Thesis and Project Defenses are March 18, 19 & 20 at Biltmore Park
***Optional elective faculty-led-travel course: EOE 628: Scholarly Writing Intensive for EOE; Edisto Island, SC; January 17-23, 2026

Students will:

1. Develop a theoretical and philosophical foundation for experiential and outdoor education.
2. Understand research methods as they apply to experiential and outdoor education scholarship.
3. Design learning experiences for diverse populations that integrate theory into practice.
4. Demonstrate an ability to identify a need in the literature, propose and complete a graduate level thesis or project to meet that need.
5. Demonstrate various teaching methods and group facilitation techniques for diverse populations.

The Association of Experiential Education defines Experiential Education as: “… a philosophy that informs many methodologies in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop people's capacity to contribute to their communities.”

For more complete descriptions of each class, go to the WCU Graduate Course Catalog .
Total credits: 36
Required core credits: 27
Electives credits: 9

Transfer credits are limited to 6 from an accredited university. Additional electives may be taken from the list below and other WCU Gradute programs.
Note: Counseling electives available for EOE students may change. Contact the Counseling program for current course offerings. EOE students should contact the instructor for permission to register. All Counseling courses are offered in a face-to-face format at the Biltmore Park Instructional Site

"Educators working in this field have extremely varied backgrounds. We're excited that the Experiential and Outdoor Education masters program will provide an opportunity for educators from across the southeast to expand their skill sets, so they can create better learning experiences for their students."
Lauren Pyle, Executive Director, Environmental Educators of North Carolina

"This is an exciting development to help prepare the future of the outdoor industry for the demands of the next generation. WCU is gifted with an amazing faculty, outstanding natural resources, and a tradition of excellence in training leaders in Experiential and Outdoor Education. We at Southwestern Community College are proud of our strong educational partnership over the decades that has allowed our Outdoor Leadership and Wilderness Therapy graduates to continue their studies at WCU with seamless articulation to help raise the bar of professionalism in our field. This new graduate program simply extends that reach to impact graduates to make a difference in their lives and those of others."
Paul Wolf, Program Director of Outdoor Leadership and Wilderness Therapy at Southwestern Community College and Chair of Standards of the Association for Experiential Education Accreditation Council.

"WCU has had wonderful foresight in designing and implementing this new program, at a time when creative initiatives and leadership development are key components for a productive economy for our outdoor industry."
Mairi S Padgett, Administrative Director, Landmark Learning

“The new MS in Experiential and Outdoor Education program shows Western Carolina University’s commitment to continually grow the talent pipeline that supports the outdoor industry in North Carolina, and across the nation. WCU’s proximity to nationally recognized outdoor recreation opportunities make it the perfect place to cultivate the leadership skills necessary for graduates looking to be a driving force in this growing industry.”
Amy Allison, Director,
North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

Diversity Statement
Diversity involves the affirmation, understanding, and professional application of the richness of human differences, ideas, practices, and beliefs that result from, but are not limited to, age, race, color, disability/health, ethnicity, gender identity, language, national origin, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, rural or urban status, as well as the intersectionality of these multiple identities. Professional practice that is responsive to diversity includes culturally appropriate communication skills; understanding power differentials and dynamics; and attending to the social and cultural values which influence the multiple areas of practice represented in EOE.

Commitment to Social Justice
A commitment to social justice serves as a guiding principle of the EOE Program and reflects our belief in the values and goals of a socially just society. Socially just societies are dependent upon the optimal functioning, health, and well-being of all persons in that society. Optimal functioning, health, and well-being of persons are contingent upon access to healthy environments that support healthy development and functioning. Our program is centered on a social justice approach by helping students to examine power structures resulting in social injustices and to adopt an advocacy role in working with marginalized and underserved populations. Our goal is to foster the development of professional advocates who work to change societal structures, practices, values, and policies which have long served to perpetuate unhealthy environments for these populations. By working to effect change at the individual, institutional and systemic level, our students assist in promoting greater access to economic, social, political, and cultural resources.

How has the M.S. in Experiential and Outdoor Education program at WCU impacted your personal and/or professional life?

“The EOE Program at WCU changed both my professional and personal life in ways I could not have initially thought possible. This program connected me with a cohort of like-minded, passionate, and hard-working individuals who became more than classmates. We all encouraged each other to do our best and supported each other during and beyond our time within the EOE program. Seeing the growth that we all experienced during the program fills me with a sense of gratitude and optimism at the potential impact that everyone will have in our varied fields of work. Regardless of the scope in which my cohort members find themselves, I believe this program will ensure the progression and growth of our field in a multitude of ways.” 
- Blake C., Recreation Consultant, Recreation Resources Service - NC State University

Why should someone consider attending the EOE program?

“Anyone that wants to grow as an experiential/outdoor educator should consider the EOE program because of the balance of challenge and support from the faculty. While I worked as hard on this degree as anything I've ever done, my professors were there every step of the way. The thesis/project process is scaffolded with progressive coursework and regular check-ins with your advisor so that you are set up for success.”
- Kyle H., Public School Teacher

Anything else you would like to share about your experience as a student in the EOE program?

I am so grateful for my time in the EOE program. I have made lifelong friends in this program, developed a strong understanding of how theory can inform my practice as an environmental educator, and discovered a love for research in this field.
- Alayna S., PRTM PhD Student, Clemson University & Research Assistant, REYSE Collaboratory

Do I have to move to Cullowhee? 
No, you do not need to move to Cullowhee. Classes are held both in-person and virtually in our Cullowhee and Biltmore Park locations. Depending on how a student crafts their schedule and curriculum, certain electives and courses may fit their location and commute more easily than others. There are required face-to-face class dates listed in the drop-down section with the same title that students will need to plan around.
How much is in-person vs. virtual?
Much of the coursework will take place in-person. The amount of hybrid (face-to-face and virtual) coursework will depend on electives taken. Face-to-face class dates can be found in the dropdown section of the same title. In the first year, face-to-face coursework will include a one-week intensive course on campus at the start of the term followed by four weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) each in the fall and spring semesters (April weekend is Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Students will be engaged in online coursework throughout the semester(s). During the second year, students will complete additional required and elective coursework (individual choice of face-to-face, online and/or hybrid course formats) including a thesis or project. This format allows for students to remain employed full-time and/or pursue field-based coursework (e.g., internships) at regional agencies.
How much does the program cost?
The cost will depend on in-state vs. out-of-state residency. Information about fees, expenses, and financial aid.
Is there a thesis requirement or project?
Yes. Students choose between a thesis or project. You may see a sample list of previous theses and projects.
What kind of jobs are graduates going into on graduation?
Many EOE students continue in their current role at their place of employment, advance to a new position at their place or employment or change jobs. EOE students currently serve as K-12 public and private school educators, state and national park rangers, summer camp staff, nature center and environmental education center staff, college and university campus recreation professionals and more.
How flexible is the curriculum?
During the first year, everyone takes the same core EOE classes. During the second year, students choose a minimum of three electives (no maximum) that can be online, hybrid, or face-to-face in addition to the thesis/project courses (EOE 679 & EOE 699)
Do I have to be an outdoor-pursuits person? Do I need prior experience camping, or be a wilderness/adventure expert?
No, you do not need to be outdoor-oriented or have that kind of experience in this program. This program does not have any core required classes that integrate overnight camping trips. We welcome applicants with all levels of skill and experiences who have an interest in experiential and outdoor education.
Are there any intensive field courses?
There are faculty-lead travel elective courses (such as EOE 627, a wilderness education course) that promote outdoor leadership in a multi-day, expedition style course.
How does the program support students in writing their thesis/project?
There is a specific class (EOE 628: Scholarly Writing Intensive for EOE) that supports students in writing their thesis/project. Students can also seek support from professors.
I’m new to Western North Carolina, is there an opportunity to learn more about the natural history of WNC?
We offer a specific course (EOE 626: Interpreting the Natural World for EOE) that includes information and in-person engagement with our surrounding environment. We also encourage students to visit places such as the Mountain Heritage Center and the WNC Nature Center.
Does the EOE program offer graduate assistantships?
Yes, in 10 or 20-hour formats. If you want to be considered for one of these assistantships, you need to apply by the priority deadline of February 1st. Assistantship duties are a mix of research, teaching, and service support under the direction of a faculty member in either the EOE or Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) programs.
Does the EOE program offer scholarships?
The EOE program currently oversees two types of scholarship awards. Applicants must apply by the February 1st priority deadline. Additionally, the Graduate School of WCU has scholarships available for which you may apply.