Are you interested in a career where you can help others and the outdoors? The Outdoor Education program at BHSU will equip you for education positions in parks, nature centers, zoos, aquaria, eco-tourism programs, camps, wilderness programs, and much more. 

The Outdoor Education major combines studying natural history, education methods and outdoor adventure. This program incorporates highly qualified faculty from many disciplines including: interpretation, environmental education, experiential education, physical education, biology, botany, geology and mass communications.  They will work with you to meet your goals, including national certification and placement into top graduate programs.  

BHSU is uniquely situated in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. After a day of classes and studying, you can mountain bike scenic roads, cross country ski on miles of groomed trail, hike beautiful mountain paths, fly fish in scenic Spearfish Canyon, rock climb our world-famous Needles or Devil’s Tower, down-hill ski at Terry Peak or Deer Mountain, or watch the plentiful wildlife.

Explore the Outdoor Education Minor

Are you interested but don't want to major in Outdoor Education? Black Hills State University also offers an Outdoor Education minor. This minor enhances student employability and educational effectiveness in the related fields of biology, business, education, psychology, and tourism and hospitality management. A student's major fulfills the content area expertise, while the Outdoor Education minor provides students with research-based education in best practices for non-formal education in outdoor settings.

Gain hands-on, real world experience in the Outdoor Education program at BHSU. You can sign up for the Outdoor Education major or minor in the College of Education office, located in Jonas 203. Then contact Outdoor Education Coordinator, Chris McCart, to be signed up for the D2L Outdoor Education Program site and to schedule an advising meeting.