Undergraduate Program and Options

About the Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Studies

The B.S. in Environmental Studies is an academically rigorous alternative to traditional colleges and universities for undergraduates pursuing a deeper ecological understanding of environmental education, leadership, and advocacy. Self-motivated students who have a passion for the environment thrive at AEI. Our students enjoy living outdoors and encountering diverse people and ideas. They are open to the challenges and rewards of hands-on learning and embrace the flexibility the program offers. If you have a sense of adventure, desire to be stretched intellectually and personally, and want to experience environmental education at its very best, Audubon Expedition Institute is the program for you.

Academic Requirements, Degree Options, & Transfer of Credit

The B. S. in Environmental Studies program consists of 128 credits. Students earn 16 credits per semester over four semesters in the field (i.e. on the bus) for a total of 64 credits, and they travel in different regions of the world each semester. Students complete the Major in Environmental Studies and a portion of the Liberal Arts and Electives during the 64 credit field component. Students can complete the entire four semesters in two consecutive years or alternate semesters on the bus with semesters completing the remaining 64 credits of Liberal Arts and Electives. Students can fulfill the remaining 64 Liberal Arts and Elective credits by attending:

• Special course offerings through the Audubon Expedition Institute.
• Lesley College and the Adult Learning Division in Cambridge, MA.
• Art Institute of Boston.
• Learning Community Bachelor's (low residency) program.
• Other accredited institutions.

• Quest

Transfer of Credit

AEI students can apply up to 64 transferred credits toward their degree, of which 16 can be from Advanced Placement or CLEP exams. Please contact the AEI Assistant Director for more information and a detailed analysis of your transferable credits.

Curriculum

Below is a list of course titles and degree requirements. Course descriptions are available. The Liberal Arts and Elective credit numbers account for the credits in these categories that the student takes in the Field Component.

Assessment and Grades

Students combine their experiential learning with a combination of reflective academic course requirements. At the beginning of each semester, learning communities clarify academic goals, expectations, and the criteria for assessment and grades. Faculty help their advisees identify learning objectives and create a plan to achieve them. Students are provided with course syllabi, which they use as the framework for this plan.

Common course requirements may include:

• Papers
• Focused academic journals
• Learning portfolios
• Reading and research
• Teaching seminars
• Short internships

Because students enter AEI with varying levels of knowledge, skill and expertise in the areas of study, AEI uses a self-referencing assessment system. This system assesses achievement in relation to each individual's skill level and growth, rather than using a pre-determined norm. A key to the AEI assessment process is differentiating between simply experiencing something and defining the learning and application gained from a given experience.

Students work in the whole group and in small groups for purposes of assessment and grading. Venues are created to review, support, and critique each other's work throughout the semester. The expectation is for each student to be consistently active in self, peer and programmatic assessment.

There are two formal assessment sessions during the semester. During these sessions, students thoroughly review and assess their work and that of their peers. Peers and faculty check accuracy and offer suggestions for future work and progress. Students are evaluated on the basis of how well they demonstrate knowledge, understanding, integration, synthesis, and application of course material.

The process for grade determination varies from group to group, depending on faculty design. Students may be asked to submit written course evaluations and grade proposals to their advisor at the end of the semester. They may participate in a group grade, working within a small or large group context to determine grades for one or more courses. Or, they may have an individual interviews with faculty to determine a grade for one or more courses. Faculty have final determination on all grades.

Quest

Quest is an optional program that combines courses that are taken in conjunction with a ten week minimum internship chosen by the student. Quest provides a setting in which to apply and practice learning gained in the first two years. Students should have completed the two years of field semesters prior to enrollment in these courses. Students can discuss whether Quest makes sense for them with the Assistant Director. For more information, see our Quest brochure.

Audubon Semesters

Undergraduate students may join AEI for from one to four semesters. Many students use AEI as an interim year between high school and a traditional college program. Many others use AEI as an off-campus program, usually during their sophomore or junior year.

Course work may either be accredited through Lesley University, or if students are matriculating with another college, they may request direct credit from their school. Every college and university has its own credit transfer and off-campus program policy. Please be sure to contact your advisor to determine your school's policy and necessary procedures. Contact AEI Assistant Director if you need support or information to support this process.

Students will earn 16 credits per semester. The AEI Assistant Director can provide you with course syllabi, should your matriculating school require them.

• AEI also offers exciting options for exceptional high school seniors.

Academic Advising & Questions

Intensive one-on-one academic advising aids students in navigating the variety of avenues available to them and helps them to reach their personal, academic, and professional goals. Students receive individualized attention and degree updates by the Assistant Director, who is skilled at advising at a distance.

If you have questions about the B.S. in Environmental Studies, contact:

Paige Manning
Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services
Audubon Expedition Institute
617.349.8489 or 800.999.1959 ext. 8489
pmanning@lesley.edu