Major in Outdoor Leadership Ministries

Become an outdoor ministry leader • Develop your technical skills • Make a difference

Thrive in the growing outdoor industry.

In the outdoor leadership ministries major, you will learn to use your expertise in the outdoors to facilitate education and spiritual formation. With the Natural State and the Ozarks at your fingertips, you can pursue your passions, earn your certifications and cultivate your leadership skills.

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Earn your certifications

Students have the opportunity to earn certifications in wilderness first responder, ACA river canoeing or kayaking, swift water rescue, challenge course instructor and archery.

Guide your community

Lead wilderness excursions to help others challenge themselves, connect to nature and develop authentic community.

Grow in spirituality

Faculty mentor and disciple students in their spiritual walk with Christ and give them the tools to aid them in the growing of their faith. 

Learn to nurture growth through outdoor pursuits at JBU.

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The most valuable skill that I learned from OLM was taking a 'hands-on' approach to problem-solving. This prompted better self-awareness, learning how to utilize the abilities of those around me and developing various skills that are directly applicable to the OLM field of work.

Chris Hatton '22

Outdoor Leadership Ministry

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What to expect as an outdoor leadership ministry student at JBU

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Launch a meaningful career

You'll be prepared to nurture spiritual formation and serve others in a growing industry. The outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually and directly sustains 7.6 million American jobs. (Outdoor Industry Association)

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Learn in Northwest Arkansas

Home to the Buffalo River, the Ozark Mountains, dozens of parks and camps and 218 miles of soft-surface mountain bike trails, Northwest Arkansas is a practical and beautiful place to study outdoor leadership ministries.

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Specialize in wilderness medicine

JBU partners with Northwest Arkansas Community College to offer a specialization in wilderness medicine. Students can graduate as certified and licensed Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians.

4+1 = your master's degree

Go farther, faster! At JBU, our Accelerated Master's Program lets you finish your undergraduate outdoor leadership ministries degree and your master's degree in outdoor program management in just five years — saving you money and setting you up for even more success.

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The future you starts here.

Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.

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