This is the typical course progression for students in the flexible or self paced learning format, aiming to complete the OAL degree in three years.
Year 1
Fall 2023 (8 credits)
- MML 512 Leadership and Spiritual Formation (4)
- OAL 662 Theology and Practice of Outdoor Ministry (4)
Spring 2024 (8 credits)
- OAL 534 Care and Counsel in Ministry (2)
Optional 0-6 additional credits selected from:
- OAL 556 Gap Year Programming (2)
- OAL 566 Temporary Community and the Church (2)
- OAL 664 Wilderness Programming and Leadership (4)
- OAL 665 Wilderness Program Management (4)
- OAL 692 Creative Project (2)
- OAL 694 Wilderness Programming Leadership/Management (2)
- OAL 695 Independent Studies (2-4)
- OAL 698 Thesis/Applied Thesis (2)
- BITH 565/566/576 Biblical or Theological Studies course (4)*
* You may choose to take this course, which is a core program requirement as an online or intensive course when offered at Wheaton during any semester. It is offered as an intensive at HoneyRock in Spring 2025
Summer 2024 (0-4 credits)
Optional Electives from Wheaton College Graduate School with Advisor’s approval
Year 2
Fall 2024 (6-12 Credits)
- OAL 549 Program Philosophy and Planning (4)
- OAL 663 Organizational Leadership and Staff Development (4)
Spring 2025 (0-12 Credits)
- OAL 518 Research Methods for Ministry (2)
- BITH 565 Christian Theology (4)
Optional 2-6 additional credits selected from:
- OAL 516 Camp Ministry in Global Contexts (2)
- OAL 555 Women in Outdoor Ministry
- OAL 664 Wilderness Programming and Leadership (4)
- OAL 665 Wilderness Program Management (4)
- OAL 692 Creative Project (2)
- OAL 694 Wilderness Programming Leadership/Management (2)
- OAL 695 Independent Studies (2-4)
- OAL 698 Thesis/Applied Thesis (2
Other courses in Wheaton College Graduate School with Advisor’s approval
Summer 2025 (0-4 credits)
Optional Electives from Wheaton College Graduate School with Advisor’s approval
Year 3
Fall 2025 (2-8 credits)
- MML 503 Cultural Engagement (2)
- OAL 595 Foundations of Experiential Education (2)
Spring 2026 (2-8 Credits)
- OAL 682 Integrative Seminar (2)
Optional 2-8 additional credits selected from:
- OAL 556 Gap Year Programming (2)
- OAL 566 Temporary Community and the Church (2)
- OAL 664 Wilderness Programming and Leadership (4)
- OAL 665 Wilderness Program Management (4)
- OAL 692 Creative Project (2)
- OAL 694 Wilderness Programming Leadership/Management (2)
- OAL 695 Independent Studies (2-4)
- OAL 698 Thesis/Applied Thesis (2)
- BITH 565/566/576 Biblical or Theological Studies course (4)*
Other courses in Wheaton College Graduate School with Advisor’s approval
