Gap Semester Academic Credit
In the spring of 2021, Wilderness Adventures entered an agreement with the University of Wyoming to offer course credit for Gap Semester programs completed through the Wilderness Adventures Leadership Institute (WALI). Administered through the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming (UW), the current agreement will recognize those students who have successfully completed WALI Gap Semester programs.
As of January 2024, Wilderness Adventures is an accredited program provider through the Gap Year Association. Thus, we additionally have the University of Montana (UM) as a school of record. Students are able to enroll in courses through both UW and UM.
Please note that while all students are eligible, it is not guaranteed that your current institution will accept the transfer credit. Below, you will find FAQs so that prospective WALI students can fully understand the course credit option through WA Gap Semester programs.
Academic Credit FAQs:
Up to 6 credit hours from the University of Wyoming Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources:
ENR 2800: Intro to Outdoor Leadership (3 credit hours)
Designed to increase knowledge and competencies related to leading others in the outdoors. Significant focus is on self-awareness, judgment, and decision-making. The specific skills and theories students learn throughout provide a foundation for other leadership endeavors.
ENR 3900: Wilderness Medicine (3 credit hours)
Designed to increase knowledge and competencies related to Wilderness Medicine in the outdoors. Significant focus is on patient assessment, critical thinking, and innovative wilderness medicine techniques. The specific skills students learn throughout provide a foundation for becoming a Wilderness First Responder.
6-7* credit hours from the University of Montana:
COLS 191: Self & Culture in Experiential Cohorts (3 credit hours)
The course is designed to use a student’s real-world experiences as a foundation for understanding fundamental principles of communication, relationship-building, cultural development, and other group dynamics within an experiential cohort-based program. Students will engage in self-reflection and explore group dynamics in various contexts, gaining essential skills for personal and professional communication while examining the particular dynamics of a cohort-based experience in various cultural settings. Through readings, reflections, and applications to real-world examples, students will examine the roles that culture, identity, and communication play in cohort formation within personal, academic, and/or professional settings.
CTE 191: Introduction to Leadership Development (3 credit hours)
The course is designed to introduce students to the principles, theories, and practices of leadership development. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, self-reflection, and practical applications to lived experiences, students will gain insights into effective leadership strategies, communication skills, and ethical decision-making. The course facilitates critical self-assessments of students’ leadership styles, and examines successful leadership qualities in various personal and professional contexts.
*We are currently working to add a 7th hour for summer gap students who complete the internship section of the course.
All students who successfully complete a WALI Gap semester program are eligible to receive these credit hours. However, prior to the WALI course, an applicant must complete the necessary paperwork to meet eligibility requirements.
To enroll in courses through the University of Wyoming, students must apply to UW as a non-degree seeking student.
To enroll in courses through the University of Montana, click here.
We recommend that you discuss this opportunity for credit hours with your college counselor. You may also ask your college counselor if you can receive direct credit from your university from your own institution. Be sure to inquire how the credit hours will transfer to your current institution.
Students will be evaluated on their performance and these assessments will be presented to the University to verify successful participation in the program.
Yes. We encourage students and families to check in with their 529 plan administrator and let them know that they will be earning college credit during their gap year program. Every 529 plan is different; some will allow the funds to be sent directly to the program provider. However, if this is not the case, we have two options available.
- If enrolling in University of Wyoming courses, students can utilize a 529 plan for those individual courses and only those courses. Once enrolled, students can organize their 529 payment through UW directly.
- If enrolling in University of Montana courses, students can utilize a 529 plan for those individual courses as well as WALI trip tuition. Once enrolled, students will complete a provided form to ensure funds are sent to UM in a timely manner.
How much will it cost?
UW price info: Prices vary per course and are dependent on if students are Wyoming residents or already enrolled in UW. You can see the fee book here and read about tuition and fees here.
University of Montana: A flat fee of $1,950 for up to 4* courses (12 semester credits).
*The Gap Year Association is currently working closely with UM to add more classes for students to enroll in.
