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Curriculum

For more complete descriptions of each class, go to the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵGraduate .

Total credits: 36
Required core credits: 27
Electives credits: 9

Transfer credits are limited to 6 from an accredited university. Additional electives may be taken from the list below and other Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵGradute programs.
Note: Counseling electives available for EOE students may change. Contact the Counseling program for current course offerings. EOE students should contact the instructor for permission to register. All Counseling courses are offered in a face-to-face format at the Biltmore Park Instructional Site

Face-To-Face Class Dates

Below are directions to the Biltmore Park instructional site and the Cullowhee main campus, as well as tentative class dates.

Directons to Cullowhee Main Campus

Directions to Biltmore Park Instructional Site

Tentative Fall 2025 (Cohort 6 Face-to-Face; All-Day Sessions for EOE 500, EOE 501, EOE 502 & EOE 503) EOE 500 – 5-day intensive (August18-22) (Cullowhee and Biltmore Park) Weekend 1 – September 5-6 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 2 – October 3-4 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 3 - November 14-15 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 4 – December 5-6 (Biltmore Park) **Cohort 5 Thesis and Project Oral Proposals are October 2 & 3 at Biltmore Park

Tentative Spring 2026 (Cohort 6 Face-to-Face; All Day Sessions for EOE 600, EOE 601, and EOE 602) Weekend 1 – January 16-17 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 2 – February 20-21 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 3 – March 20-21 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 4 – April 23, 24 & 25(Biltmore Park) *3 Days **Cohort 5 Thesis and Project Defenses are March 19 & 20 at Biltmore Park ***Optional elective faculty-led-travel course: EOE 628: Scholarly Writing Intensive for EOE; Edisto Island, SC; January 17-23, 2026

Tentative Fall 2026  (Cohort  7 Face-to-Face; All-Day Sessions for EOE 500, EOE 501, EOE 502 & EOE 503) EOE 500 – 5-day intensive (August17-21) (Cullowhee and Biltmore Park) Weekend 1 – August 28-29 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 2 – October 2-3 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 3 - November 6-7 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 4 – December 4-5 (Biltmore Park) **Cohort 6 Thesis and Project Oral Proposals are September 31, October 1 & 2 at Biltmore Park

Tentative Spring 2027 (Cohort 7 Face-to-Face; All Day Sessions for EOE 600, EOE 601, and EOE 602) Weekend 1 – January 15-16 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 2 – February 12-13 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 3 – March 12-13 (Biltmore Park) Weekend 4 – April 22, 23 & 24 (Biltmore Park) *3 Days **Cohort 6 Thesis and Project Defenses are March 10, 11 & 12 at Biltmore Park ***Optional elective faculty-led-travel course: EOE 628: Scholarly Writing Intensive for EOE; Edisto Island, SC; January 16-22, 2027

 

Frequenly Asked Questions

 

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Do I have to move to Cullowhee?

No, you do not need to move to Cullowhee. Classes are held both in-person and virtually in our Cullowhee and Biltmore Park locations. Depending on how a student crafts their schedule and curriculum, certain electives and courses may fit their location and commute more easily than others. There are required face-to-face class dates listed in the drop-down section with the same title that students will need to plan around.

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How much is in-person vs. virtual?

Much of the coursework will take place in-person. The amount of hybrid (face-to-face and virtual) coursework will depend on electives taken. Face-to-face class dates can be found in the dropdown section of the same title. In the first year, face-to-face coursework will include a one-week intensive course on campus at the start of the term followed by four weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) each in the fall and spring semesters (April weekend is Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Students will be engaged in online coursework throughout the semester(s). During the second year, students will complete additional required and elective coursework (individual choice of face-to-face, online and/or hybrid course formats) including a thesis or project. This format allows for students to remain employed full-time and/or pursue field-based coursework (e.g., internships) at regional agencies. Back to top

How much does the program cost?

The cost will depend on in-state vs. out-of-state residency. Information about fees, expenses, and financial aid. Back to top

Is there a thesis requirement or project?

Yes. Students choose between a thesis or project. You may see a sample list of previous theses and projects. Back to top

What kind of jobs are graduates going into on graduation?

Many EOE students continue in their current role at their place of employment, advance to a new position at their place or employment or change jobs. EOE students currently serve as K-12 public and private school educators, state and national park rangers, summer camp staff, nature center and environmental education center staff, college and university campus recreation professionals and more. Back to top

How flexible is the curriculum?

During the first year, everyone takes the same core EOE classes. During the second year, students choose a minimum of three electives (no maximum) that can be online, hybrid, or face-to-face in addition to the thesis/project courses (EOE 679 & EOE 699) Back to top

Do I have to be an outdoor-pursuits person? Do I need prior experience camping, or be a wilderness/adventure expert?

No, you do not need to be outdoor-oriented or have that kind of experience in this program. This program does not have any core required classes that integrate overnight camping trips. We welcome applicants with all levels of skill and experiences who have an interest in experiential and outdoor education. Back to top

Are there any intensive field courses?

There are faculty-lead travel elective courses (such as  a wilderness education course) that promote outdoor leadership in a multi-day, expedition style course. Back to top

How does the program support students in writing their thesis/project?

There is a specific class  that supports students in writing their thesis/project. Students can also seek support from professors.

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I’m new to Western North Carolina, is there an opportunity to learn more about the natural history of WNC?

We offer a specific course  that includes information and in-person engagement with our surrounding environment. We also encourage students to visit places such as the Mountain Heritage Center and the WNC Nature Center. Back to top

Does the EOE program offer graduate assistantships?

Yes, in 10 or 20-hour formats. If you want to be considered for one of these assistantships, you need to apply by the priority deadline of February 1st. Assistantship duties are a mix of research, teaching, and service support under the direction of a faculty member in either the EOE or Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) programs. Back to top

Does the EOE program offer scholarships?

The EOE program currently oversees two types of scholarship awards. Applicants must apply by the February 1st priority deadline. Additionally, the Graduate School of Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵhas scholarships available for which you may apply. Back to top