More Details for Those Interested in the Program
How many credits are required for the Ecological Teaching and Learning Program?
The program is 32 credits.
How long does the program take to complete?
The program is completed in 18 months in an accelerated cohort model.
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of students that continue together in the program from start to finish. The cohort ranges between 12 and 16 students.
What is the format of the program?
The program begins with a 3-week field summer experience in either the Northeast or the Northwest region of the United States, followed by online course work for the fall and spring semesters. There is a 3-week field experience in an urban setting in the second summer followed by two additional online courses in the final fall semester.
Is there a face-to-face residency requirement?
The two summer field
experiences are face–to–face. There is a January weekend intensive where
students present their Action Research Projects. This intensive may be
experienced in person or online. There is also an optional face-to-face
gathering for students in the first fall semester.
Where do the summer field experiences take place?
The first summer field experience is in a beautiful wild place – Cobscook Bay in Maine and the Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Washington. The second summer field experience is in a dynamic urban setting – currently Boston and Seattle.
What are the dates for the summer 2013 field experience?
The summer field experience in Cobscook Bay, Maine is July 6 - July 27, 2012.
Who should apply to this program?
This program is intended for educators from private and public schools; museums; non-profit centers; environmental centers; government organizations; and other alternative teaching settings who want to deepen their own understanding of ecology, sustainability, living systems and ecological education and to apply their learning to their professional contexts. It is intended for those educators who want to expand their understanding and practice of ecological teaching and learning pedagogies. Teachers from across the disciplines – not just science teachers – complete this program.
Can I receive Initial Teacher Licensure?
No, but this program does meet the guidelines for Professional Licensure in Elementary Science in Massachusetts and may satisfy licensure requirements in other states.
Is there a thesis requirement?
No, students complete an Action Research Project and paper in their workplace that demonstrates their understanding of the local ecology and culture while investigating a question about their teaching practice. The Action Research Project has a written component equivalent to a thesis.
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required for this program.
What is the cost of the program?
The Ecological Teaching and Learning Program is considered an on-line Master's Program. For current tuition, please contact the Office of Student Accounts. To be eligible for financial aid, students are required to register as a half-time student. For more information regarding financial aid policies and procedures, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.
What are the application requirements?
- Application and $50 application fee
- Undergraduate transcript, including degree conferral
- Written personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview with the Program Coordinator
How do I apply?
The application is available through Graduate and Adult Bachelor's Admissions.
How do I know when I am accepted?
Once all of the application materials have been received in the Admissions Office, your materials will be forwarded to the Program Office, and you will be contacted for an interview. You will be notified of a decision after all the materials have been reviewed and the interview has been completed.