Nationally-Recognized Ecological Teaching and Learning Program
If you are an educator from a public or private school, museum, non-profit, environmental center, government organization, or other alternative teaching setting, this Master of Science (M.S.) program can help you deepen your understanding of ecology, sustainability, living systems, and ecological education.
The program includes fieldwork, keeping a nature journal, ecological literacy and pedagogy, action research, urban ecosystems, and more. You will participate in two summer field experiences, one in a rural and one in an urban setting, between which you complete online coursework. You complete an action research project, the equivalent of a thesis, in your workplace. Dedicated, enthusiastic, and highly qualified experts make up the program faculty.
Key program information for M.S. in Ecological Teaching and Learning:
- Program consists of 32 credits (10 courses), including an action research project
- Classes are held both in the field and online
- Classes meet in learning community model, in which a small group of students continues together through the program from start to finish
- The accelerated program takes five semesters to complete, with two summers of field study (three weeks each) and online learning in the interim
- The program may be taken for Professional MA licensure at the Elementary (1-6) level
- A faculty advisor assists you with any academic issues or concerns
- Program prerequisite: student must be employed in an educational setting
A Student Shares Her Thoughts
"For me, ecological teaching and learning is the application and/or adaptation of any pedagogy, or pedagogies, or teaching (art and) methodology, that helps people understand that all in the world is nested within Earth’s life support system. Everything truly is connected. A full spectrum of pedagogies can offer multiple pathways to help people connect with, understand, and take action for a sustainable earth, of which we are a part." Laura Sebastienelli '14