Master of Science

in Environmental Education

The master’s degree program in environmental education is for individuals with experience and/or active interest in formal programs (i.e., schools) and non-formal programs (e.g., nature/environmental centers, agencies, parks, gardens, zoos and museums). Students receive graduate education in science and environmental content, while expanding and improving environmental education teaching skills.

The program includes graduate course work in environmental content, environmental education and educational research as well as an environmental content concentration. Each concentration uses a unifying theme to expand environmental knowledge and skills pertinent to that theme (e.g., a disciplinary theme such as ecology, a natural resource
theme such as estuaries, or a problem-oriented theme such as water quality).

From a student perspective, content concentrations build upon prior academic studies and/or experience and lead to future employment in an area related to that concentration. From a university perspective, these concentrations reflect the academic and research strengths within university programs.

Environmental content concentrations can include course work in ecology and marine biology; environmental science and environmental
resources management; biological, chemical, physical and geological oceanography; or coastal zone management. To provide breadth of content knowledge and skills, concentrations also include course
work in ecology or another foundational science; environmental problems; environmental fieldwork or monitoring; and environmental policy, planning or management.

Course work in environmental education foundations and methods is also emphasized. The foundations course develops and expands field knowledge and educational practices in the field from diverse perspectives. The methods courses develop and improve teaching skills. To accommodate students’ differing backgrounds and interests, course projects and assignments allow students to develop and apply these skills in relevant contexts or settings.

Additionally, the curriculum includes classes in educational research methods and statistics, both of which are core courses in other master’s degree programs offered by this department.

This degree program culminates in the design, conduct and reporting of a non-thesis research project in an area of the student’s own choosing as well as an oral comprehensive examination.

Admissions Requirements

The master's program is designed for individuals holding bachelor's degrees in areas of science, environmental studies, environmental interpretation or K-12 education.  All entering students are expected to have a background in the science and  in education that will permit them to successfully complete graduate course work.  Individuals for whom this may be a concern are encourages to discuss this directly with the program chair.

For general admissions requirements, please refer to the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the catalog.

Curriculum

The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, and requires a minimum of 33 credit hours for completion. 

Sample Full Time Schedule