Field Experiences

One way for students to be able to gain some very valuable field experience or to further study a specific topic of interest in depth is to work with one of our community partners in a directed (independent) study.

Students team up with professionals to work on specific projects, research, skill development, and other learning opportunities.  Directed Studies are usually taken for 1-3 credits and meet the requirements for focus electives for the RPLS major or may taken for general elective credit for any University major.

Some of our community partners include:

Center for Outdoor Adventure-University of Minnesota

  • Trail Leader training and leadership development
  • Management and development of Outdoor Recreation programs and operations

Wilderness Inquiry

  • Trail Leader training and leadership development
  • Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventure (UWCA) development, training and implementation
  • Work on collaborative projects with several agencies

National Park Service-Mississippi River Recreation Area
Gopher Ranger Project

  • Numerous other opportunities for work on special projects, new program developments, events and research.

Gopher Adventure Race-Recreation, Park and Leisure Studies program

  • Serve on the Executive Committee overseeing the development, management, and implementation of the race.
  • Work collaboratively with RPLS academic classes, U of M Student Service programs and community partners.

Directed Study (REC 3993) is arranged with Dr. Connie Magnuson and the partnering agencies.


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Last modified on 10/3/2011