Graduate Leadership

Master's Degree

Earn a Master’s in Outdoor Adventure Leadership from Wheaton College at HoneyRock! By integrating theory and practice, you will strengthen your faith, improve your critical thinking in ministry, and gain practical leadership skills through a cohort-based learning process.

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Meet the Faculty

Graduate Assistantship

One path for experiential learning with the M.A. in Outdoor Adventure Leadership is through our Graduate Assistantship program. Graduate Assistants hone their leadership skills as program and support role coordinators, working in teams to create impactful experiences, all while receiving mentorship from industry-leading faculty and staff who excel in turning theory into practice.

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Alumni Testimonials

Rebecca Adu-Boahene’
M.A. OAL

“It was challenging but I found that it was a great experience for me, getting to know my cohort and telling our stories and getting to hear what God is doing in each person’s life.”

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Will Cody
M.A. OAL ‘22

“There’s incredible potential and opportunity to encounter the whole person in the outdoor environment and have meaningful encounters with one’s self, others, and God.”

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Olivia Cassel
M.A. OAL ‘21

“What I’ve found, is that if you learn the theory behind what you’re seeing, it takes your experience to a whole different level. This degree brings together both the theory and gives you a purposeful and meaningful job”

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Three people with backpacks walking and talking on a trail

Fellowship Program

Are you unsure if graduate school is right for you but looking to grow as a leader and continue your spiritual development? The Fellows Program at HoneyRock, Wheaton College’s Center for Leadership Development, offers a unique 9-month paid experience for recent college graduates. Through mentorship and communal living in an outdoor setting, Fellows enhance their leadership skills while impacting high school gap year students.

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Life as a Fellow

"Fellows is a great thing to pursue if you need more time to discern what's next. It's a productive way to live a year of life that can give an individual the time they need to explore options for what comes next."

Training and Resources

What are the main objectives of the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Master’s program? This program focuses on developing leadership skills tailored for outdoor education and adventure settings, emphasizing personal growth, community building, and effective organizational leadership.
How can this program benefit my current role in outdoor leadership? This program enhances your professional effectiveness and fulfillment in the field by helping you solve real-world problems and apply them to your current work assignments.
What is the program’s cost, and are there financial assistance options? The program costs $8,000 per year over three years for remote students. Many students collaborate with their employers for partial financial assistance in exchange for years of dedicated service.
How is the program structured to accommodate working professionals? The program offers a flexible schedule: 6 hours per semester with no summer classes, including one half-day class per week and a 3-5 day intensive.
What if I don’t have a strong academic background? Prospective students without a completed undergraduate degree may qualify for special student status or explore vocational discernment through the Fellowship or summer staff positions.
Am I too old to pursue this degree? The program is designed for individuals at any career stage, providing opportunities to revitalize and conclude careers on a strong note, as evidenced by alum success stories.
I’m newly married. How can the program support my personal life? Residential students’ spouses can work at HoneyRock as Fellows or seasonal staff, integrating personal and professional life at the center.
Is a Master’s degree necessary for a successful career in outdoor leadership? While not always required, a Master’s degree significantly boosts your effectiveness, longevity, and capabilities to tackle the complexities in today’s outdoor adventure field.
How will the program help me convince my employer of its value? Demonstrating how the coursework addresses and resolves your organization’s challenges can effectively illustrate the degree’s immediate and long-term benefits.
What if I have challenges understanding how the program works? We offer personalized guidance and step-by-step support to help you navigate the program structure and maximize your educational experience.

Graduate Leadership

Master's Degree

Rebecca Adu-Boahene’M.A. OAL

Will CodyM.A. OAL ‘22

Olivia Cassel M.A. OAL ‘21

Fellowship Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Current Research

Videos

Rebecca Adu-Boahene’
M.A. OAL

Will Cody
M.A. OAL ‘22

Olivia Cassel
M.A. OAL ‘21