Outdoor Leadership

Bachelor’s

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Turn your love for the great outdoors into a career with a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Leadership. Program launching Fall 2026.

Three

Ways to Study

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Leadership, or enrich your education with a minor. We also offer an Outdoor Leadership Concentration path in our Interdisciplinary Studies program.

Two

Distinct Concentrations

Choose between Outdoor Ministry and Outdoor Recreation & Park Management.

Minutes from Adventure

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, NGU is a 30-minute drive from four State Parks.

The mission of the Department of Outdoor Leadership at North Greenville University is to honor God by educating, equipping, and empowering students to serve as transformational leaders who facilitate opportunities for human flourishing through adventure, leadership development, and stewardship of natural resources.

Why Choose Outdoor Leadership?

Distinctive Christian Context: Rooted in biblical principles and discipleship, the program develops leaders of integrity who are equipped to serve Christ through outdoor leadership, ministry, and community engagement.
Unique Academic Opportunities: With concentrations in Outdoor Ministry and Park and Outdoor Recreation Management, NGU offers unique options preparing students for ministry roles or careers with state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and conservation organizations.
Leadership Development for Any Career: Our curriculum emphasizes leadership growth, ensuring graduates are prepared not only for outdoor professions but also for leadership opportunities in churches, schools, nonprofits, and beyond.
Experiential Learning in an Ideal Location: Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and within 30 minutes of multiple state parks, NGU provides unparalleled access to rivers, trails, and national forests.
Comprehensive, Hands-On Curriculum: Students gain leadership opportunities in both hard skills (rock climbing, backpacking, paddling) and soft skills (conflict management, group facilitation), while also completing internships, certifications, research, and a senior capstone project to ensure career readiness.

Core values of the Department of Outdoor Leadership

Christian Character: We seek to develop men and women of integrity and Christian character as a foundation for leadership and service. This development is facilitated through the integration of Biblical principles, personal discipleship, and physical and academic challenge.
Intentional Community: We are an intentional community composed of students and faculty who are committed to our mission and each other. We encourage each other in our spiritual and professional development through accountability, personal responsibility, diversity, and creativity.
Leadership Development: Leadership is a skill that can be learned and needs to be practiced. As a program, we encourage the development of sound judgment, awareness of others, and humility through hands-on experience and quality, professional feedback.
Environmental Stewardship: We believe that our Creator has provided us with resources to foster our sense of adventure, growth, and recreational pursuits. Consequently, we have the responsibility to develop an environmental ethic that will contribute to sustaining the resources that God has created.
Experiential Methods: We use experiential theory and methods to create an opportunity for participants to discover truth through experience. These experiences are intentionally designed, implemented, and reflected upon to encourage learning and growth.
Three Ways to Study: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Leadership, or enrich your education with a minor. We also offer an Outdoor Leadership Concentration path in our Interdisciplinary Studies program.

Program Overview

Why NGU?

At North Greenville University, you will grow academically and spiritually to become the transformational leader God has uniquely called you to be. All courses are taught from a Christ-centered perspective, integrating faith and learning. Wherever you are, NGU is here to help you reach your academic and professional goals.
Purpose

The program equips students to succeed by providing them with the necessary hard skills and soft skills for leadership in an outdoor context.