Bemidji State University will enhance its longstanding hallmark outdoor education, leadership and academic programming with new certificates in outdoor leadership.
The program is being funded by the Minnesota State system’s Industry Sector Fund, which helps the system’s colleges and universities build capacity and support new programs. BSU will receive $110,000 from the fund, with support for instruction and new equipment purchases.
The program’s curriculum consists of 15 credits for both the undergraduate and graduate certificates. The courses offered will allow students, professionals and community members to pursue training in wilderness first responder credentialling through hands-on experience. This program also has an emphasis on Indigenous environmental knowledge and experience.
Dr. Anna Carlson, associate professor of environmental studies, said the program will launch as part of BSU’s newly organized School of Sustainability & Life Sciences.
“We’re so excited to be launching BSU’s new Outdoor Leadership Certificate,” she said. “We believe it highlights BSU’s unique identity and heritage, and aims to connect students with themselves, one another and the incredible natural world that we’re all a part of.”
The program will require courses in map use, wilderness first aid, outdoor leadership and a course on treaty rights and food sovereignty. Students will also select a one-credit elective from a pool of outdoor skill and physical fitness-type courses, ranging from yoga to downhill skiing. Students may also use this elective to earn certifications in lifeguarding or becoming a water safety instructor.
This program will be taught by instructors who specialize in different key aspects of the program. Jerry Smith, assistant professor of geography, will lead courses in environmental field skills and courses in outdoor leadership. Smith highlighted the outdoor leadership course, which creates opportunities for students to design, plan and lead outdoor trips for other students.
Mark Morrissey, an adjunct instructor in geography, will teach courses in first aid, emergency response and map use, bringing his extensive experience in outdoor programming to the classroom. With 23 years of experience with BSU’s outdoor programs, Morrissey is passionate about equipping students with real-world skills.
“This certification will allow students to learn practical outdoor skills and give them hirable skills for post-graduation careers,” he said.
The program will also include courses from BSU’s unique Indigenous Sustainability Studies program, providing students with an Indigenous perspective on environmental issues. Coursework will explore traditional ecological knowledge, land stewardship and sustainability practices rooted in Indigenous cultures. By integrating these perspectives, BSU’s program will provide students with a broader understanding of environmental leadership that incorporates both scientific and cultural approaches to outdoor education.
Faculty members of the program are eager to offer Bemidji State University students hands-on outdoor learning experiences that incorporate leadership, Indigenous environmental perspectives and wilderness preparedness. They hope the Outdoor Leadership certificate will become a permanent part of BSU’s curriculum, benefiting students for generations.