Outdoor Ed FAQs
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OUTDOOR ED & LEADERSHIP FAQs
- Outdoor Ed & Leadership
- What is the difference between the four CWC outdoor-related degree tracks?
- Can the Outdoor degree programs be obtained via the internet?
- Where should I look in the CWC catalogue and course schedules for outdoor-related course descriptions?
- What kinds of off-campus courses does CWC offer that do NOT involve NOLS?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Is college credit available for students taking National Outdoor Leadership School courses?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: How old must a student be to earn college credit for their NOLS course?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Does the tuition at CWC completely cover the NOLS tuition?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Do I have to take a NOLS semester or can I take other NOLS courses?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Is financial aid available for students to take NOLS courses?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Do I take my NOLS courses before attending CWC or afterward?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: I have some college credits that I would like to transfer to CWC toward my degree. How many credits may I transfer?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Do you offer the Wilderness First Responder class or the Wilderness EMT class in the summer?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Can I take Wilderness First Responder classes or the Wilderness EMT class on-line?
- NOLS SPECIFIC: I just filled out and submitted my CWC application. When do I need to fill out the NOLS application?
Outdoor Ed & Leadership
- What is the difference between the four CWC outdoor-related degree tracks?
CWC offers 4 associates degree programs related to careers in the outdoors:
- Outdoor Education and Leadership - This is an Associate of Arts (AA) degree that combines a NOLS Semester Course with outdoor and general education classes taken through CWC. It prepares students for careers in outdoor or adventure education, guiding, trip leading, and teaching in formal and informal settings. This AA degree prepares students well for transition to a BA program at another college or university.
- Outdoor Education and Recreation - This is an Associate of Arts (AA) degree which is designed much like the OE and Leadership degree with the exception that all of the outdoor-related courses are taken through CWC rather than NOLS. It prepares students for careers in outdoor or adventure education, outdoor recreation, guiding, and trip leading. This AA degree prepares students well for transition to a BA program at another college or university.
- Environmental Science and Leadership - This is an Associate of Science (AS) degree that combines a NOLS Semester Course with science and general education classes taken at CWC. It prepares students for careers in natural resources and environmental science and serves as a solid 2 year program to transfer into a bachelor of science degree program at another college or university.
- Outdoor Recreation - This is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree that prepares students for immediate work as an outdoor professional. It is not designed to transfer to another college or university but is a good option for students who do not wish to pursue a bachelors degree . This program prepares students for careers in outdoor recreation, guiding, trip leading, and outdoor recreation-related business management.
- Can the Outdoor degree programs be obtained via the internet?
Some courses can be done through distance education, but you will still need to attend some classes for hands-on training. Even if you aim to take as many classes online as possible, you should plan on spending at least 1 full semester on campus to complete your Associate’s degree.
- Where should I look in the CWC catalogue and course schedules for outdoor-related course descriptions?
CWC courses related to the outdoors are currently located in several places in the 2007-2009 Catalog. Be sure to check the Education (EDUC) section, the Geography & Recreation (G&R) section, and the Physical Education Activity (PEAC) section. NOLS courses are found in the G& R, EDUC, and Biology sections. Wilderness Medicine courses are found in the Health Education (HLED) section.
- What kinds of off-campus courses does CWC offer that do NOT involve NOLS?
In 2007-8, we are offering Day Hiking, Outdoor Rock Climbing, Backcountry Skiing, and an Intro to Mountaineering Expedition in August. Our trip leaders are all outdoor professionals. All are either NOLS Instructors or AMGA guides.
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Is college credit available for students taking National Outdoor Leadership School courses?
Yes, college credit is offered by CWC for courses taught through NOLS. Students must be enrolled at both institutions to receive college credit.
- NOLS SPECIFIC: How old must a student be to earn college credit for their NOLS course?
Any student 16 years of age or older can earn college credit for their NOLS course.
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Does the tuition at CWC completely cover the NOLS tuition?
CWC bills the student directly for course tuition at CWC and NOLS. This billing includes the equipment deposit for your NOLS course but does not include the NOLS application fee and the optional tuition protection program fee. The application fee and tuition protection fees must be paid directly to NOLS.
Because the NOLS tuition is billed through CWC, it can be calculated in your federal financial aid. This means that if you qualify for federal financial aid, you may use it to cover a portion of your NOLS course costs. The percentage covered, depends on which NOLS course you choose to take. Contact the CWC Financial Aid Office for more details.- NOLS SPECIFIC: Do I have to take a NOLS semester or can I take other NOLS courses?
You may take any NOLS course that is 7 days or longer for credit. All NOLS courses have different starting dates, so please check the NOLS catalog or website for additional information. In general, 7 days of a NOLS course amounts to one credit at CWC.
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Is financial aid available for students to take NOLS courses?
Students who wish to use federal financial aid for a NOLS course must be enrolled in one of the CWC outdoor degree programs. Only 16 credits from NOLS can qualify for federal financial aid.
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Do I take my NOLS courses before attending CWC or afterward?
For students who plan to take a NOLS semester, it is best to spend your first semester at CWC, then take your second semester with NOLS. This allows the student to spend the first year developing a strong foundation in both theory and practice which might then be used in student leadership positions or internships during the second year.
Be aware, however, that some CWC 2-semester courses are only offered on a Fall-Spring sequence, and other courses are only offered on alternate years.- NOLS SPECIFIC: I have some college credits that I would like to transfer to CWC toward my degree. How many credits may I transfer?
You may transfer up to 52 credits. Have your transcripts sent to CWC and contact our Registration and Records office to request a transfer evaluation or fill out the online transfer evaluation request form. In order to obtain a degree from CWC you must have completed 12 credits at CWC.
- NOLS SPECIFIC: Do you offer the Wilderness First Responder class or the Wilderness EMT class in the summer?
Currently, our wilderness medicine courses are arranged and offered exclusively by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS. CWC only provides credit for these courses. See Wilderness Medicine Courses for a full list of courses, schedules, and locations.
Please note that we are currently working on developing an on-campus WFR class taught by WMI. This course would be offered for the first time during the Fall ’09 semester at the earliest and will appear in the Fall 09 schedule if it becomes available.- NOLS SPECIFIC: Can I take Wilderness First Responder classes or the Wilderness EMT class on-line?
No, these courses are not something you can do online since they involve direct hands-on teaching. Many of our students take them at our Sinks Canyon Center in Lander through WMI of NOLS.
- NOLS SPECIFIC: I just filled out and submitted my CWC application. When do I need to fill out the NOLS application?
You should apply to the NOLS course(s) of your choice as soon as you know which one(s) you want to take. Let NOLS know that you intend to get credit from CWC. NOLS will then send CWC a copy of your acceptance letter. When it's time to register for those course(s), the CWC registrar will place you in the proper course(s). You will then receive a tuition and fees bill from CWC for tuition from both organizations.