Program

Associate of Applied Science in Natural and Historical Interpretation

Since its inception, the Natural and Historical Interpretation program at Hocking College has become renowned for training experienced, confident and talented educators. Interpreters are teachers whose classrooms exist outside the four walls of a building. As a student in the Natural and Historical Interpretation program, you will be trained to educate others about the environment and human connections to it.

Classes use the backdrop of Southeastern Ohio to extract stories of interest in the natural world and the history of nearby areas. Emphasis is placed on practical experience, leading programs with groups of all kinds, exhibit design and development of interpretive sites. You will also receive unique training in researching and developing living history subjects and techniques.

Hocking Woods Nature Center provides Interpretation students the opportunity to work with captive wildlife, including raptors and large reptiles.  We even have a planetarium for learning and teaching about astronomy and night interpretation.
 
Robbins Crossing is a collection of authentic log homes that allows students to practice "living history" presentations in period clothing, designed to engage visitors in the skills and lifestyles of the past including blacksmith, wood stove cooking and woodworking.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Natural and Historical Interpretation:

• Interprets accurate information in an interactive, entertaining, and educational fashion to the satisfaction of a variety of audiences;
• Demonstrates leadership abilities in group programming situations, both educational and recreational;
• Prepares programs and materials that strive to achieve the mission of the overseeing agency;
• Demonstrates ability and desire to research and gather information from a variety of sources, including computer usage related to library and internet information;
• Exhibits ability to work cooperatively with other interpreters and professionals;
• Exhibits professional behaviors, such as promptness and preparation for programming assignments;
• Demonstrates effective written communication skills, including customer correspondence, interpretive publications and displays;
• Demonstrates effective use of technology, including web development and social networking opportunities;
• Demonstrates ability to assess and maintain clean, safe facilities and resources; and,
• Initiates and maintains professional contacts in the interpretation field.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Natural and Historical Interpretation program are prepared to perform as practitioners within private and public educational settings, including national, state, and metropolitan parks, residential camps, museums, zoos, and educational institutions. Job titles may include: park naturalist, outdoor/environmental education specialist, museum educator, zoo educator, living history interpreter, tour guide, camp program specialist, interpretive ranger and adventure guide.

Depending upon each individual’s academic program, background and history of field experiences, entry-level salaries in the natural resources industry may range from $15,000 - $30,000 annually, with lower range employers providing room, board, transportation and uniforms.