Degree Program - AS Wilderness Recreation Leadership -Frequently Asked Questions
Associate of Science in Wilderness Recreation Leadership (HEGIS 5506.10)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I choose WRL over other college outdoor programs?
- What is the Practicum Semester?
- What is WFR?
- What kind of equipment do I need?
- Where do I buy my equipment?
- Why should I choose a career in outdoor recreation?
- What type of job can I get with a WRL degree?
- How do I find a job?
- How do I know the WRL degree is right for me?
- Will the WRL degree transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program?
- Is the WRL degree program easy?
- What kind of students are successful in the program?
- Can I enroll for the WRL program in the Spring Semester?
- Am I too old for a WRL degree?
- I have previous outdoor work experience. Can I get NCCC credit for life experience?
- I already have my WFR and Lifeguard certifications. Do I have to take these courses?
- Are there medical & physical requirements for WRL students?
1. Why should I choose WRL over other college outdoor programs? Back to top
- More consecutive backcountry field days than most outdoor degree programs – over 40 days during Practicum semester.
- Four nationally recognized certification opportunities included in curriculum.
- Small faculty to student ratio & individualized learning – 1 to 5 in the field, 1 to 20 in the classroom.
- Perfect location – the Adirondack Park, the largest protected area outside Alaska, offering unlimited world-class recreation & study opportunities.
- Affordable education with added value– earn a SUNY A.S. degree at community college pricing while developing strength of character & leadership skills
- Opportunity to network with outdoor professionals & employers through department affiliations and workplace & service learning opportunities.
2. What is the Practicum Semester? Back to top
The Practicum Semester is the pinnacle of the WRL degree program. Throughout the fall semester of sophomore year, WRL students participate in a series of "blocked" field experiences. The first experience is the Fall Practicum, a 30-day canoeing and backpacking expedition. Following Fall Practicum, students return to campus for an 8-week session of classes. During this time, preparations for the Winter Practicum begin. After Thanksgiving break, students finish up the semester by completing an 11-day Winter Practicum that may involve snowshoeing, x-c skiing or other modes of winter travel depending on weather conditions.
Many WRL students say the Practicum Semester is the most challenging part of the degree, but also the most rewarding. The days in the field are long and there is not much personal time, but most students report that the hard work and sacrifices are well worth it. To view Practicum Semester slide shows created by WRL students, click here.
3. What is WFR? Back to top
“Woofer” or Wilderness First Responder is a nationally recognized wilderness medicine certification. Required by many outdoor employers, many outdoor professionals pay an average of $600-700 out of pocket to earn their WFR. WRL grads complete this training as part of their degree curriculum at a reduced fee rate ($450 in 07-08). This fee is added to the semester bill in which the course is taken and is usually covered by financial aid if a student is eligible. Upon successful completion of the course, students earn Anaphylaxis, BLS level CPR and Wilderness First Responder certifications. Certifications are valid for three years and must be re-certified prior to expiration date through participation in a re-certification course that may range in cost from $200-$400. NCCC utilizes Wilderness Medical Associates as a WFR training provider.
4. What kind of equipment do I need? Back to top
Just as mechanics or doctors require specific tools to do their jobs, so do outdoor professionals. Because outdoor professionals work outside in all kinds of conditions, certain pieces of clothing and equipment can make the work environment more comfortable and increase personal safety. WRL students are required to provide their own personal clothing and minor equipment for field experiences (e.g. boots, long underwear, rain gear, headlamp, water bottles). WRL provides big ticket personal equipment items (e.g. backpack, sleeping bag, pad) and all group gear (e.g. tents, stoves). REC 240 Fall Practicum and REC 249 Winter Practicum Equipment Lists can be viewed by clicking on the links.
5. Where do I buy my equipment? Back to top
There are many outdoor equipment retailers in the Saranac Lake / Lake Placid area including:
Please visit the Saranac Lake or Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce websites to identify other retailers near NCCC. To locate retailers near you, check the yellow pages of your local phone book under "sporting goods - retail."
Other resources for outdoor equipment and clothing include catalogs and websites. Many on-line retailers offer on-line discounts or sales on close-out or discontinued items. The following retailers have on-line catalogs: REI, Mountain Gear, Sierra Trading Post, or Campmor.
6. Why should I choose a career in outdoor recreation? Back to top
Choosing a career “off the beaten path” is not always an easy choice, but doing what you love and feeling satisfied at the end of each day is the potential reward. While there are some challenges associated with an outdoor career including potentially long spans of time away from home, lesser pay than more traditional business-world jobs, and occupational hazards like overuse injuries, many long-time outdoor professionals feel that the pros far outweigh the cons. Career benefits include a great “office,” working with like-minded people, making a difference in the lives of others, travel to new places, connection with nature, personal growth and challenge opportunities.
7. What type of job can I get with a WRL degree? Back to top
The type of job varies depending on the WRL grad’s career goals, past experiences and job availability. Depending on personal interests, WRL grads may seek positions with a variety of employers including youth organizations, commercial guide services, outdoor retailers, therapeutic programs, public agencies, schools or non-profit organizations. Examples of jobs secured by recent WRL students and grads include:
- New York State DEC, Assistant Forest Ranger
- Wilderness Therapy - Group Leader
- Boy Scouts of America, Program Director
- Adirondack Camp Caretaker
- New York State Licensed Guide
- Ski/Snowboard Instructor
- Juvenile Residential Facility - Residential Counselor
- Outdoor Retail - Sales Associate
- ARC – Activity Leader
While the WRL degree prepares graduates for an entry-level position in outdoor recreation, some students use extensive past experience to quickly work their way up to supervisory positions. To build a solid resume and sharpen your “edge,” participating in outdoor recreation-related volunteer work or getting a part-time job while still in school is highly recommended. If possible, students are especially encouraged to pick up seasonal work during the semester breaks. Because the outdoor industry can be highly competitive, grads wishing to initially land a supervisory job are encouraged to transfer to a Bachelor's degree program. However, with carefully planned and continued professional activity, it is possible for WRL grads to achieve high levels of success at the Associate's degree level.
8. How do I find a job? Back to top
The outdoor job market is diverse and plentiful with many seasonal and full-time jobs available. It is very common for new outdoor professionals to work seasonally at first. Due to the seasonal nature of the industry, different types of jobs tend to be abundant at different times of the year. Many outdoor professionals enjoy the “best of both worlds” by combining positions in two seasonal industries (e.g. whitewater rafting/skiing). Others obtain a position with an organization that offers year round employment or create their own opportunities as an entrepreneur.
For information on obtaining a seasonal or year round outdoor industry job and links to employment databases, please visit one of the following websites: Outdoor Industry Jobs, Association for Experiential Education, EcoJobs.com, Cool Works, NOLS Job Network.
9. How do I know the WRL degree is right for me? Back to top
WRL is a very specialized degree program. Through academic exercises and field development of technical and interpersonal skills, the program prepares students to lead others in wilderness activities. The WRL program focuses on how to work with people in wilderness, not how to manage the wilderness itself or its resources. While the end goal for WRL students is the ability to responsibly teach and guide others in a range of outdoor activities, the skill set acquired at WRL also provides a solid skill base for many related and unrelated professions. Due to the emphasis on leadership, personal growth and interdisciplinary studies, WRL grads have successfully combined their WRL experience to land jobs and transfer opportunities in a variety of related disciplines. If you are looking for a unique educational experience that prepares you for transfer or an entry level job, while at the same time offering you opportunity to explore the natural world and develop leadership qualities, the WRL program is for you.
10. Will the WRL degree transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program? Back to top
Yes, with proper advisement and adequate student performance, WRL credits will transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program. However, depending on the choice of major and transfer institution requirements, some non-general education credits may be unusable (especially in an unrelated transfer discipline) and/or it may be required for the student to attend more than an additional two years to complete Bachelor’s degree requirements. Unfortunately, a 2+2 situation is not always possible if a student decides to transfer to an unrelated degree or makes the transfer decision late in the A.S. degree process. However, this situation can often be mitigated if the student identifies their transfer degree program early on and communicates with the transfer school and their NCCC Academic Advisor regarding recommended courses for transfer.
Recent WRL graduates have successfully transferred to the following colleges & majors:
- Alaska Pacific University – Outdoor Studies
- Appalachian State University – Recreation Management
- Paul Smiths College – Biology
- SUNY Albany - Anthropology
- SUNY Brockport
- SUNY Cortland – Outdoor Recreation
- SUNY Plattsburgh State – Environmental Science, Education
Please see the NCCC College Catalog for further information on joint admissions and articulation agreements. Visit the American Camping Association’s College page for a list of outdoor degree programs.
11. Is the WRL degree program easy? Back to top
WRL is not a "cake" degree program. WRL students are required to engage in rigorous academic activities including conducting research, writing term papers, preparing presentations and completing projects. Much time is spent in the classroom reading about and discussing issues relevant to the outdoor recreation field today. Students are encouraged to regularly share their own personal outdoor experiences and knowledge with classmates. The WRL curriculum emphasizes academics through a strong Liberal Arts foundation that is strengthened by an extensive experiential field program. This approach allows students to prepare for transfer while also testing their outdoor skills and leadership abilities.
12. What kind of students are successful in the program? Back to top
The WRL program is a selective program, meaning that students must meet certain pre-requisite requirements in order to progress to 200-level Practicum courses. Practicum pre-requisites include maintaining a 2.0 GPA and earning a “C” in pre-requisite classes. By making schoolwork top priority, many students successfully progress to Practicum semester in sequence and uninterrupted.
WRL strives to create enthusiastic and competent outdoor leaders. Students that are most successful in our program often have the following qualities:
- Passion for the outdoors
- Responsibility & maturity
- Commitment
- Perseverance
- Patience & tolerance
- Self-awareness
- Initiative
If you love the outdoors and are willing to make a commitment to yourself and your degree program, WRL is the right choice for you.
13. Can I enroll for the WRL program in the Spring Semester? Back to top
It is possible to enroll as a WRL major at the start of Spring semester, however, in some cases sequencing of courses may be difficult. The level of disadvantage for spring starters depends on a number of factors, the most important being course availability and number/nature of transfer credits.
In order to be eligible for the Fall Practicum, you must complete 4 pre-requisite courses with a C or higher (REC 115, PSY 105, PED 167, HED 160), maintain a 2.0 average overall and complete a minimum of 15 credits. Usually, it is possible for spring start transfer students to complete these requirements in their first semester, given that the prerequisite courses are available. This allows the student to complete Practicum Semester the following fall if all pre-requisite criteria have been met.
14. Am I too old for a WRL degree? Back to top
While traditional aged freshmen enter the WRL program, many non-traditional students are also enrolled. It is never too late to start a career in outdoor recreation. In the WRL program, adult students bring valued life experience to the classroom and fit into the WRL community very well. Some of our non-traditional students take a break from college for several years and then enroll in WRL. Others transfer to WRL after completing several semesters at another college. Yet other students come to us from the work force with no college experience or after taking a long break from formal education. The students and staff of the WRL program form a tight-knit community and welcome students of all ages and backgrounds.
15. I have previous work experience in outdoor recreation. Can I get NCCC credit for life experience? Back to top
NCCC does not offer credit for life experience. However, transfer of Advanced Placement, military education or transfer credits from an accredited institution may be considered. Please review the NCCC College Catalog for further details.
16. I already have my WFR and Lifeguard certifications. Do I have to take these courses? Back to top
If you have proof of current certification, you may apply for a Waiver of Degree Requirements for HED 160 and/or PED 167. You must provide documentation of successful completion of the material in each course, select a replacement course or combination of courses (equaling the same total number of credits), and provide rationale for the course replacement. If approved, HED 160 Wilderness First Responder and/or PED 167 Lifeguarding will be waived and you will take the named alternative courses to fulfill the total of 64 credits required to earn the A.S. WRL degree.
17. Are there medical & physical requirements for WRL students? Back to top
Yes, in order to enroll in the major, students must complete a medical screening process and meet all physical and medical eligibility requirements. See NCCC College Catalog for details. Additionally, students must meet all criteria as outlined in the Wilderness Medical Associates Functional Position Statement in order to successfully earn Wilderness First Responder certification.