Transform lives through the power of nature

A sillhoutte of a head filled with flowers and trees and greenery.

Experience the healing power of nature paired with adventure-based practices in this 24-credit certificate. You’ll explore the intersection of adventure education and psychology, preparing for roles in therapeutic and developmental settings that foster personal growth through outdoor experiences. As the demand for wilderness therapy continues to rise, you’ll gain the specialized skills needed to guide individuals and groups in nature-based programs.

Our outdoor classroom: Durango, Colorado

Durango’s towering peaks, desert vistas, and vibrant outdoor culture create an ideal classroom for hands-on learning. You’ll develop backcountry navigation, risk management, and leadership skills while studying foundational psychological principles and group dynamics. By blending practical fieldwork with therapeutic methods, you’ll learn to address crisis prevention, facilitate personal growth, and support mental health professionals in wilderness settings.

  • How to apply
  • Emphasis areas
  • Required coursework
How to apply

If you declare the certificate, you will have priority for the coursework during registration.

Choose your path
If you’re a current Fort Lewis College student, consult with your academic advisor to incorporate this certificate into your studies.

Non-degree-seeking students are welcome! Contact the Admission Office to get started.

Meet the prerequisites
Some courses require a background in psychology, sociology, or outdoor leadership. Be sure to check specific course prerequisites.

Emphasis areas

This certificate focuses on three key areas to prepare you for diverse roles in wilderness and adventure therapy:

  • Adventure education
    Gain a variety of hands-on skills in outdoor skills, the ability to manage risk, and the capacity to use outdoor adventure experiences to achieve educational and therapeutic objectives.
  • Psychological and therapeutic foundations
    Develop a strong understanding of human development and the role of counseling psychology in personal growth and therapeutic change.
  • Leadership and interpersonal development
    Learn to lead outdoor expeditions while cultivating empathy, resilience, and decision-making skills crucial for therapeutic and developmental roles.
Required coursework

Students in any major can earn this certificate by completing the listed requirements with a grade of C or better. Course availability may vary by semester.

Core courses (15 credits)

  • AE 101 – Foundations of Adventure Education
  • AE 350 – Adventure Processing & Facilitation
  • AE 371 – Wilderness Therapy
  • PSYC 157 – Introduction to Psychology
  • PSYC 387 – Abnormal Psychology

Outdoor skills & management (3 credits)

Choose one 100- to 300-level Adventure Education course (e.g., AE 230 – Wilderness First Responder or AE 131 – Paddling Fundamentals) that develops practical skills for backcountry travel, risk management, and leadership. These courses equip you to safely facilitate therapeutic and developmental experiences in various outdoor environments.

Clinical & counseling psychology (3 credits)

Select one course focused on mental health frameworks and counseling methods, such as PSYC 415 – Group Psychotherapy or PSYC 420 – Counseling Skills. These courses deepen your understanding of how to support individual and group well-being, an essential component of wilderness and adventure therapy.

Elective (3 credits)

Pick one elective aligned with your interests—for example, AE 310 – Philosophy & Theory of Adventure Education or PSYC 288 – Positive Psychology. Electives expand your perspective on personal growth, team dynamics, and the theoretical underpinnings of adventure-based or therapeutic programs.

Capstone or internship

Complete a project or field-based internship with local organizations or wilderness therapy programs. You’ll apply your skills in a real-world context—leading groups, facilitating therapeutic activities, and gaining valuable on-the-ground experience.

Career pathways

Adventure Ed students descending a canyon wall

This certificate prepares you for therapeutic and developmental roles that foster personal growth in outdoor and nature-based settings. You will be able to:

  • Support therapeutic programs as a wilderness field instructor under licensed clinicians.
  • Facilitate adventure-based learning programs that promote personal development.
  • Lead developmental experiences at recreation centers, youth camps, and therapeutic schools.

Note: This certificate does not provide licensure or qualification for professional therapy roles. Students interested in becoming licensed therapists should pursue relevant graduate degrees and meet state licensure requirements.