environmental education master's degree

Environmental Education Degree

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• Why Environmental Education?
• Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Education
• Certificate Programs in Environmental Education
• Master's Environmental Education Degrees
• Doctoral Level Environmental Education Programs
• Job in Environmental Education
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Why an Environmental Education Degree?

Environmental education aims to nurture an understanding of how personal and societal choices affect the earth's ecosystems and inhabitants. Environmental educators also hope to inspire a love of nature, often through outdoor immersion programs and adventure outings. However, they work with children, students, adults, and tourists in both formal and non-formal settings. Some are certified teachers who work in secondary schools, while others plan and run programs at nature centers, parks, or nonprofit organizations.

Environmental Education Undergraduate Programs

Aspiring environmental educators typically earn a bachelor's degree in environmental science , environmental studies , geography, ecology, or a related area; there are few undergraduate programs in environmental education specifically. It's advantageous to choose these degrees, though, since they combine teaching methods and experiential learning with the necessary scientific foundation.

Volunteering for conservation organizations, parks, or summer camps while in college is an excellent way to gain valuable practical experience.

Environmental Educator Certification Programs

An increasing number of states are certifying environmental educators working in both formal and non-formal settings. Certification programs set standards and often require ongoing professional development.

Separate certification is required for public school teachers in all states. Certification requirements vary by state, but always require at least a bachelor's degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, and supervised teaching experience. Many require a general teaching test, background check, and continuing professional development.

School Spotlight

Unity College in the wooded setting of Unity, Maine specializes in environmental science education and hands-on experience. Unity offers two unique degree programs: a B.S. in Adventure-Based Environmental Education and a B.S. in Secondary Education. The secondary education program offers much more than instruction in traditional education techniques; it integrates in-depth studies in natural resources, environmental education, as well as lab work, fieldwork, and teaching assistance. Students learn educational psychology , geographic information systems (GIS) , and how to use field equipment. As undergraduates, students are actively involved in leading experiential learning sessions for local schools and camps. Graduates are prepared to fill roles as much-needed science teachers; in addition to a diploma, they also receive a certification to teach life or physical science in middle school or high school. They're also qualified for positions as park rangers and nature guides. Unity College's Adventure-Based Environmental Education program gives students real-word experience leading wilderness hikes and other activities, such as canoeing and rock climbing. Students also learn pedagogy, how to safely teach through outdoor activities, how to manage traditional and outdoor classrooms, and leadership skills. This program is best for students seeking careers in outdoor, recreational, environmental, and experiential education. Graduates are qualified for positions as educators in schools and nature centers, wilderness guides, and eco-travel professionals. The University of Minnesota, Duluth offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Environmental and Outdoor Education. Students learn outdoor education methods, program planning and delivery, program management and evaluation, and principles of recreation. They also spend one full semester in the field in an outdoor educational setting. Graduates are prepared for careers in adventure education, environmental interpretation, environmental education, and other informal education settings that don't require a teaching license.

Graduate Certificates in Environmental Education

Several schools offer graduate certificates in environmental education. These can be a good choice for students with environmental science degrees who want to add education credentials, without committing to a full master's program. Some graduates of traditional education programs who are interested in environmental education may also wish to pursue a certificate.

Hamline University in Minnesota offers a 10-credit graduate certificate in environmental education that's available both traditionally and online. The certificate focuses on environmental concepts and both indoor and outdoor teaching methods. Students may choose courses on ecology, natural history, teaching methods, field biology, and geology.

Master's Degrees in Environmental Education

Graduate programs in this field offer M.A., M.Ed., or M.S. programs, which have different areas of focus. For example, the M.Ed. is generally aligned for educators in formal settings that require teacher certification. The M.A. tends to focus on the social sciences, while M.S. programs are for students who wish to study science and natural resources in greater depth. Aspiring students should choose the program that best fits their backgrounds and goals.

Western Washington University offers an M.Ed. program. Students can choose from two options: a residency focusing on the non-profit sector, or a more traditional program that encompasses environmental education more broadly (either with or without a thesis). The more traditional, on-campus program is a non-thesis option. However, students must design an environmental education field project. The campus-based thesis option is more research-oriented, and suitable for students who want to pursue further study or careers in academia. The non-thesis residency option involves collaboration with the North Cascades Institute (NCI). In addition to the M.Ed., students earn a Certificate in Leadership and Nonprofit Administration from NCI, as well as Northwest Naturalist Certification. Students design curricula and learn about nonprofit management and natural history. They must pass a comprehensive exam. Western Washington University programs do not include teacher certification. New York University offers an M.A. in Environmental Conservation Education that prepares students for careers in formal and non-formal educational settings. The program focuses on the social sciences, including coursework on environmental philosophy, policies, journalism, ethics, and education, as well as science. Fieldwork is a required component. Students also gain real-world experience through NYU's partnerships with museums and environmental education centers, including internship opportunities with a wide range of organizations. Graduates find careers as environmental educators, program managers, and environmental consultants.

Doctoral Programs in Environmental Education

Educators, program managers employed by governments and nonprofits, and others can advance their careers through a doctoral program in environmental education.

Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona is a private, well-ranked college offering a Limited-Residency Ph.D. program in Education with a concentration in Sustainability Education. Students create customized programs of study, including a practicum. Candidates also complete an “action-oriented dissertation” that includes rigorous scholarship. It's a flexible program that allows students to complete most work remotely, with occasional visits to campus.

Employment in Environmental Education

Most environmental educators work for nature centers, national and state parks, and nonprofit environmental organizations. Some work for zoos, aquariums, and arboretums. These types of organizations have limited budgets, which equates to a limited amount of jobs. Due to the interest in this career field competition for jobs is strong. Candidates with practical experience through volunteer work at parks and summer camps will have the best opportunities.

Core Skills You'll Develop While Studying Environmental Education

- Leadership: environmental educators learn how to lead group activities, both in the classroom and outdoors. - Pedagogy: students learn teaching methodology and best practices for both formal and non-formal educational settings. - Communication: students learn to communicate effectively with people of all age ranges and backgrounds. They learn how to explain complex environmental concepts verbally and in writing. They also must give presentations and run group activities. - Critical Thinking: Students learn how to evaluate sustainability challenges and potential solutions, as well as the environmental consequences of individual actions. - Scientific Analysis: students may also learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data about their local areas, and interpret the information for community groups.

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Sustainability Master’s Degree Program

Learn to evaluate and design viable solutions to help build a more sustainable future

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

1 weekend or 3-week summer course

$3,220 per course

Program Overview

More organizations around the globe — corporate, nonprofit, governmental, and consulting — are committing to climate action. And they are seeking practitioners with the specialized knowledge needed to overcome environmental challenges and implement more sustainable practices.

In our Sustainability Graduate Program, you’ll build the expertise you need to take on such critical roles. Through engaging coursework and either a thesis or capstone, you’ll:

• Learn to develop innovative, practical, and equitable solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and environmental harm.
• Cultivate an understanding of the science, policies, technologies, and financial models that support sustainable development.
• Gain confidence in your analytical research and build leadership skills that serve you in a corporate or grassroots context.

Program Benefits

Customizable path, stackable certificates, and experiential learning

Entrepreneurial opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs

Personalized academic and career advising

Optional faculty research and internship opportunities

Student community through the Harvard Extension Student Environmental Club

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

The 12-course Sustainability Graduate Program is designed to help you develop practical skills that you can apply immediately in your career. You’ll experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.

Our core courses focus on learning research methodologies and building sustainability-specific skill sets around development, design, and management, for example.

Our comprehensive selection of electives enables you to tailor your program to your personal or industry-specific interests such as natural disasters, water usage and conservation, and energy projects. Your thesis or capstone project will give you the opportunity to apply these skills to a real-world problem.

11 Online Courses

• Primarily asynchronous
• In the fall, spring, January, and summer

You’ll complete 1 course in person at Harvard, at either an accelerated or standard pace:

• An online course with an intensive weekend on campus in fall or spring (capstone track only)
• 3 weeks in a summer or January session

Capstone or Thesis Track

• Thesis:  features a 9-month independent research project with a faculty advisor
• Capstone:  includes crafting a consulting or independent research project in a classroom community

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

First, you’ll register for and complete 2 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.

As an alternative, you may choose to earn the following credentials as part of your admissions path: MITx MicroMasters® Program Pathway .

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Earn a Stackable Certificate

As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate or microcertificate . It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn more professional credentials.

For each certificate, you can choose courses that best fit your goals.

Here are a few examples of stackable certificates and courses.

Corporate Sustainability and Innovation View More

Gain the skills you need to help your organization adopt sustainable practices with this graduate certificate.

Sample stackable courses:

• Applied Corporate Responsibility
• Sustainable Marketing and Branding
• Breakthrough Innovation with Blockchain Technology
• Foundations of Sustainable Development

Learn more about the Corporate Sustainability and Innovation Graduate Certificate .

Environmental Policy and International Development View More

Deepen your knowledge of pressing global issues like climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth through this graduate certificate.

• Making Change Happen: Sustainable Development in Theory and in Practice
• Urban Development Policy
• Design of Renewable Energy Projects
• Confronting Climate Change

Learn more about the Environmental Policy and International Development Graduate Certificate .

Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems View More

Explore the impacts of population growth and climate change on food supply, resources, and land in this graduate certificate.

• Human Impact and the Marine Environment
• Environmental Economics: Perspectives on Climate Change
• Local to Global Agroecology
• Fundamentals of Ecology for Sustainable Ecosystems

Learn more about the Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems Graduate Certificate .

Sustainable Cities and Communities View More

Build the skills necessary to help cities and communities design, develop, and maintain more sustainable systems with this graduate certificate.

• Evolution of the American City: Civic Aspirations and Urban Form
• Urban Agriculture
• Renewable Energy Mini-Grids for Rural Community Development
• Sustainable Cities

Learn more about the Sustainable Cities and Communities Graduate Certificate .

Sustainable Food Systems View More

Prepare yourself to address present and future challenges of food sustainability with this graduate certificate.

• Chocolate, Culture, and the Politics of Food
• The Role of Soil Health in Creating Sustainable Food Systems
• The Food System: Environment, Health, and Ethics
• Food and Nutrition in Health and Well-Being

Learn more about the Sustainable Food Systems Graduate Certificate .

Circular Economics View More

Gain insight into the viability of circular economics as a solution to the issues created by natural resource depletion.

• ENVR E-158B Applied Circular Economics (Fall)
• ENVR E-158F Regenerative Economics (Spring)

Learn more about the Circular Economics microcertificate .

Life Cycle Assessment View More

Explore the increasingly important role that life cycle assessment plays in sustainable production and manufacturing.

Required: ENVR E-151 Life Cycle and Supply Chain Sustainability Assessment (Fall)

Choose 1 from 4 options:

• ENVR E-107 Minerals and Natural Resources (Fall)
• ENVR E-119D Decarbonizing the Building Sector (Spring)
• ENVR E-137 Sustainable Manufacturing and Technologies (Spring)
• ENVR E 158C Toxics in Consumer Products (Spring)

Learn more about the Life Cycle Assessment microcertificate .

Regenerative Agriculture View More

Learn about a more sustainable approach to farming and grazing animals that improves soil health, combats climate change, and improves the nutritional quality of food.

• ENVR E-129A Local to Global Agroecology (Fall)
• ENVR E-129C The Role of Soil Health in Creating Sustainable Food Systems (Spring)

Learn more about the Regenerative Agriculture microcertificate .

Sustainable Finance View More

Delve into how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly impacting financial decisions and gain the knowledge of key sustainability concepts and the skill to integrate them into financial decision-making.

• ENVR E-235 Fundamentals of Sustainable Investing (Fall)
• ENVR E-138A Sustainable Investing in Practice (Spring)

Learn more about the Sustainable Finance microcertificate .

A Faculty of Sustainability Experts

Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors are renowned experts in renewable energy, sustainable communities, economics, decarbonization, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Michael Mortimer

Director, Sustainability and Global Development Practice Programs

Lindi Dorothee von Mutius

Director, Climate Action Accelerator, Harvard University

Teaches Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Sustainability and Global Development, Environmental Justice, Sustainability Research Capstone

Ahmad Antar

Founder of Digital Emissions

Teaches course on digital transformation and sustainability

Our Community at a Glance

Our students in the Sustainability Master’s Degree Program are established professionals looking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. Half (50%) have professional experience in the field and all work across a variety of industries—including non-profit management, consumer goods, communications, pharmaceuticals, and utilities.

Download: Sustainability Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average age

Course Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Career Change

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of our Sustainability Master’s Program work in the fields of transportation, hospitality, renewables, public policy, biotechnology, civil engineering, venture capital, and more.

Some alumni continue their educational journeys and pursue further studies in other nationally ranked degree programs, including those at the University of Birmingham, New York University, University of Edinburgh, Georgetown University, Bar-llan University, University of Zurich, Tufts University, Cornell University, and Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Our alumni hold such titles as:

• Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability (Fortune 100 Corporation)
• Advocate for Clean Energy Transmission (US Government Agency)
• Consultant of Climate & Sustainability (International NGO)
• International Climate Researcher (International Consulting Firm)
• Program Director of Land Management (US-based NGO)
• Communications Director of Energy and Environment (International News Agency)
• CEO/Founder of Sustainable Investments Start-up
• Owner of Real Estate Development Firm

Our alumni work at a variety of leading organizations, including:

• Bank of America
• The Nature Conservancy
• Trip Advisor
• United Nations

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs like the online All Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development Career Fair.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Sustainability.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

The flexibility of my education allowed me to adapt and explore different areas of concern, deepening my understanding of systemic problems and their interconnectedness. ... [My capstone project] focused on advancing an equitable and resilient transition to renewable energy in Ukraine.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Program Information Session (On Demand)

Hear from staff, students, and alumni in our informational webinar about the Sustainability and Global Development Practice programs.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Sustainability Graduate Program?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Sustainability?

With a master’s degree in sustainability, you’ll gain the knowledge and flexibility to advance your career while positively impacting the environment.

You might choose to help your organization reduce its carbon footprint, design environmentally friendly products, reduce wasteful packaging, or develop a more sustainable supply chain. You could also help ensure ethical corporate governance or align your organization’s business practices with the interests of stakeholders and customers. For more details, read our blog post What You Can Do with a Master’s in Sustainability .

If you’re interested in working on sustainability at a global level, a focused program on global development practice may be beneficial. Read our blog post Sustainability vs. Global Development Practice — Which One is Right for You?

Is a Degree in Sustainability Useful?

A graduate degree in sustainability allows you to pursue your passion while bringing about positive change. Careers in sustainability are rarely linear, meaning you can create your own path.

You may want to bring sustainability to a specific industry you know well, such as fashion or finance. Or, you could apply your unique skills — such as urban planning, eliminating packaging waste, or food sustainability — to one of many industries.

Is a Career in Sustainability a Smart Choice?

As the fight against climate change grows more urgent, governments, nonprofits, and businesses increasingly need employees with green skills. In fact, the number of jobs in sustainability is quickly outpacing the supply of individuals with the relevant qualifications.

Adding a master’s in sustainability to your resume may give you a competitive advantage in this job market — while helping you play a vital role in keeping our planet healthy.

Related Programs

• Global Development Practice Master’s Degree Program

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Environmental Conservation Education

Master of arts environmental conservation education.

Gain an understanding of the profound effects of human activity on the planet, and the role of education in solving environmental problems.

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Doctor of Philosophy Teaching and Learning

Become a first-rate scholar and practitioner in a focus area of your choosing, including literacy education, mathematics education, special education, and more.

Wallerstein Collaborative

The Wallerstein Collaborative for Urban Environmental Education promotes environmental literacy and sustainability by working with educators in K-12 classroom settings, graduate students, and faculty in colleges and universities.

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2024 Best Environmental Education Master's Degree Schools

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 3 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for environmental education students pursuing a master's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 38 master's degrees in environmental education to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Master’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Environmental Education School for Your Master's Degree

Quality Overall Is Important

The overall quality of a master's degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To take this into account we consider a school's overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking which itself looks at a collection of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How many resources a school devotes to environmental education students as compared to other majors.
• Major Demand - How many other environmental education students want to attend this school to pursue a master's degree.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized environmental education related body.

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for environmental education students working on their master's degree.

More Ways to Rank Environmental Education Schools

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings , including this Best Environmental Education Master's Degree Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you.

Best Schools for Master’s Students to Study Environmental Education in the United States

Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in environmental education.

Top Schools for a Master's in Environmental Education

It is difficult to beat University of Idaho if you want to pursue a master's degree in environmental education. Located in the distant town of Moscow, U of I is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in environmental education from University of Idaho

University of Minnesota - Duluth is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in environmental education. Located in the city of Duluth, UMN Duluth is a public university with a moderately-sized student population. More information about a master’s in environmental education from University of Minnesota - Duluth

It's hard to beat Bard College if you want to pursue a master's degree in environmental education. Bard is a small private not-for-profit college located in the town of Annandale-On-Hudson. More information about a master’s in environmental education from Bard College

It is hard to beat Universidad Metropolitana if you want to pursue a master's degree in environmental education. Located in the city of San Juan, UMET is a private not-for-profit school with a moderately-sized student population. More information about a master’s in environmental education from Universidad Metropolitana

Environmental Education by Region

View the Best Environmental Education Master's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best bachelor's degrees in environmental education, best overall in environmental education.

View All Rankings >

Environmental Education Related Rankings by Major

One of 37 majors within the Teacher Education Subject Specific area of study, Environmental Education has other similar majors worth exploring.

Majors Similar to Environmental Education

Notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to Aparajita Datta . More about our data sources and methodologies .

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Master of Environmental Studies

Industry connections and Ivy League academics to take on today's environmental challenges

The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program at the University of Pennsylvania helps you translate your passion for the environment into a fulfilling career. Our program offers you a rigorous academic grounding in environmental science and exceptional opportunities to conduct research in the field. In addition, you gain the professional networks and individualized professional development you need to excel in your work, whether as a researcher, policy advocate, teacher or business executive.

Built with flexibility in mind, you can choose from a  variety of concentrations or create your own—all with the guidance of our world-class faculty and built upon the foundation of Ivy League science courses. Many of our distinguished professors also influence practices outside the University, bringing their experience and broad networks from the worlds of policy, business and consulting into the classroom. Our working students find meaningful ways to blend their academic and current professional experiences by partnering with faculty to design projects and research that tackle real-world challenges from their workplace.

The heart of the Master of Environmental Studies program is the passion of our students and faculty to create change in the world, from helping to preserve habitats to implementing energy-efficient policies at the local and national levels.

Environmental impact goes beyond the classroom

The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program at the University of Pennsylvania addresses the complex issues facing our ever-changing planet. Learn about our program with our faculty, advisors, and students. Look towards the future with MES and discover what you can do to stay on the cutting-edge of environmental science, environmental policy, resilience and adaptation, and sustainability.

If you are having trouble viewing this video, you can  watch it on YouTube .

Courses and curriculum

The Master of Environmental Studies program equips students with the broad interdisciplinary knowledge necessary to address complex environmental issues. In addition to developing an academic concentration tailored to their career goals, each MES student selects four courses from four different disciplines outside of their concentration. Options include environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental policy, environmental geology, environmental law, urban environment, resource management, environmental health, environmental business, environmental sustainability, resilience and adaptation, and energy.

Tailor your curriculum to your goals >

Program resources

The Master of Environmental Studies program offers students a multitude of resources for getting involved on campus and around the region. Our network includes the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, GRID magazine, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, Stroud Water Research Center, the Global Water Alliance, the Philadelphia Field Station-USFS, the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Eastern Regional Research Center.

Environmental opportunities at Penn and beyond >

Career paths for Master of Environmental Studies graduates

Graduates of Penn’s Master of Environmental Studies program have entered a myriad of roles and industries around the world—scientific researcher, conservationist, and global corporate sustainability manager to name a few.

See student & alumni stories >

Master of Environmental Studies Virtual Café

Join us on the first Tuesday of every month for an online chat, hosted live from noon - 1 p.m.

MES information session

Meet our program director and hear more about the MES curriculum, application process, faculty, and more.

Join us on Thursday, October 15 from 12 – 1 p.m. for a virtual information session to hear more about the program, curriculum, and application process.

Application deadlines

The application deadline for spring 2025 is November 1, 2024.

Ready to apply to MES?

Have a question about MES?

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3440 Market Street, Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335

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North American Association for Environmental Education

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Master of Arts in Environmental Education Degree Program

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• Goshen College - Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center

Wolf Lake , IN United States

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Can you picture yourself impacting the lives of children and adults by helping them understand and appreciate the value of nature? Do you want to do something to help solve environmental problems? If so, a master's degree in environmental education could be the perfect next step for you! Graduates of our 11-month program go on to work at nature centers, schools, parks, federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and more!

What makes the Master of Arts in Environmental Education (MAEE) program at Goshen College unique? The entire experience takes place at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, Goshen College’s environmental education center and 1,189-acre nature preserve located in northeast Indiana. Onsite housing is available for students, resulting in a unique immersive residency experience. In addition to coursework in environmental education pedagogy, natural history, land management, organizational leadership and nature center administration, you will spend a significant amount of time working alongside, and learning from, Merry Lea’s team of professional environmental educators during extensive teaching practicum sessions.

Take your first step toward a rewarding career and apply today for the July 2023-May 2024 MAEE cohort! All admitted students receive an $8,000 scholarship. Additional scholarship funding is available for Indiana residents and students from historically underrepresented groups in the field of environmental education. There is no fee to apply and GRE scores are not required.

Contact Jason Martin, Interim Program Director ( [email protected] ) to schedule a tour of our facilities or a Zoom meet-up to learn more about the MAEE program.

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Online environmental education master's degree

Hamline understands your dedication to ecological stewardship and literacy because we’re dedicated to them, too. We serve formal and informal educators alike by providing our master's in environmental education online, enabling you to do your field experience where you live or at sites throughout Minnesota.

Our graduates include naturalists, museum directors, zoo administrators, technical innovators, classroom teachers, and environmental nonprofit leaders.

This master's degree is for formal and informal educators and does not provide you with a teaching license. If you're looking to get your initial teaching license, explore our master's in teaching degree .

What will it take?

Maed:nsee degree program details, start dates and application deadlines.

We review applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply and start your master’s in natural science and environmental education online at three different times throughout the year. We recommend applying at least six weeks before the term you want to start to ensure your spot.

How to apply

Environmental education master’s online

Hamline's master's in natural science education is offered fully online. Some individual classes may meet synchronously at a set meeting time online in the evenings. You can choose elective coursework that is online, or in-person field experience opportunities.

Time to complete your master’s in environmental education

You decide your pace, so—if you want—you can graduate in as few as 18 months. You're free to take as many or as few classes as your schedule allows.

Natural science and environmental education courses

You’ll finish your master’s in natural science and environmental education degree online in 12-14 courses.

Core courses (20 credits):

The core of the master’s in natural science and environmental education is made up of six courses:

• GED 8200: Understanding Learning (2 credits)
• GED 8210: Investigating Contemporary and Critical Issues in Education (2 credits)
• GED 8220: Policy, Leadership, and Advocacy in Education (4 credits)
• GED 8400: Research Design (4 credits)
• NSEE 8110: Foundations of Environmental Education (4 credits)
• NSEE 8120: Earth Systems: Biomes (4 credits) or NSEE 8130: Environment and Society (4 credits)

Elective courses (10 credits):

Complete credits in one of Hamline’s certificate programs—or our Teacher Field School program — and you'll further your expertise and add an additional credential to your resume.

• Complete Hamline’s Environmental Education Certificate
• Complete Hamline’s Climate Literacy Certificate
• Complete Hamline’s Nature-based Early Learning Certificate
• Participate in our Nature-Based Education Field School and earn credits to apply to your electives
• Complete 10 credits in courses of your choosing

NSEE Course Descriptions

How to apply to the MAEd:NSEE program

• Online application (no fee for US residents). 
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course-by-course English translation by a  NACES-approved organization . Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to  [email protected] . You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
• Two-page essay explaining your personal and professional philosophy of education (MAEd), environmental education (MAED:NSEE), or literacy education (MALEd); how this program will support your personal and professional growth in the field; and how you hope to contribute to the field as a result of your graduate studies.
• Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo of 105.

If you have a GPA of 2.5-2.9, you may still be considered for admission. Please also provide:

• A one- to two-page narrative to help the admissions committee assess your academic history and qualifications, in the context of the high standards for academic performance in our program.
• Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you, who are familiar with your academic and/or professional history and who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study.

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Hamline was accessible, and Hamline was affordable. Hamline’s master’s program did not put me under—I was able to afford it and pay it off really quickly.

How we help make your master’s in natural environmental education affordable

Competitive tuition.

When you invest in a  master's in environmental education from Hamline, you benefit from a prestigious degree from Minnesota's first university. We work hard to ensure our tuition, accompanied by scholarships, tuition discounts, and other financial aid, is a worthwhile investment for all students.

Generous financial aid

In addition to the scholarships and tuition discounts listed below, additional financial aid is also available, and many graduate students use low-interest loans to finance their education.

• Academic merit scholarships - $1,500
• Leadership scholarships - $1,500
• Learning partnership discounts - 10% off tuition
• Service scholarships - 10% off tuition
• Alumni discounts - 10% off tuition

Financial Aid

Tuition discounts of 10% off tuition are available to eligible students.

Nationally-accredited program

As one of only a handful of universities worldwide to be accredited by the North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE) , our master’s program in natural science and environmental education is a comprehensive, engaging program that prepares environmental educators to take the lead.

Upcoming events in environmental education

Leo lecture: professor patty born presenting.

Hear from Patty Born , Associate Professor of Education and Co-Program Director of Environmental and Climate Studies , about her recent travels to the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP 28). Learn about the world's response to climate change: the solutions, policies, and practices that are moving us toward a just and sustainable future. 

MAEd:NSEE news

Born and Werner Represent Hamline at UN Climate Talks

Hamline Launches MN’s First Nature-Based Field School for Teachers

Related programs, climate literacy, environmental education, nature-based early learning, take your first step today, contact information.

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Your guide to graduate degrees in environmental education

Creating life-long respect for the world around us benefits everyone. With an advanced degree in Environmental Education, you can transfer your passion for conserving our natural resources to students, coworkers, and lawmakers. By adding an in-depth knowledge of ecological systems to your current skill set, you can help promote environmental programs in schools and business enterprises.

Environmental educators often start by encouraging people to look at all the ways their behavior affects the environment. But that’s only the first step. The end goal is to teach them to make their own responsible decisions based on that knowledge.

Is an advanced degree in environmental education right for you?

Does a master’s in environmental education suit your personal and professional interests.

A desire to protect Earth and its resources is not the only reason to pursue an advanced degree in Environmental Education. See if you fit the mold for this promising career by asking yourself these questions:

• Do you follow an environmentally conscious lifestyle?
• Are you prepared to study and teach in the field?
• Do you enjoy developing and leading hands-on projects?
• Are you comfortable communicating with public audiences and officials?

Does a master’s in environmental education fit your career goals?

You also need ask if you could see yourself devoting your life’s work to environmental education:

• Can the skills you learn help you grow your own career?
• Can you make a difference in the community and with your students?
• Are you okay with being a “go-to” person for environmental education?

Consider these questions a starting point. After all, your own needs and desires are certainly unique, so there may be more you need to ask yourself. It’s crucial to be honest with yourself and to ask probing questions that will help you decide if this is the right educational path for you.

How do I choose a graduate-level environmental education program?

So, you know why earning a master’s degree is good for your career, and you’re pretty sure that a master’s degree in environmental education meshes with your interests and goals. This is a great start, but there’s still more to think over. 

First off, you need to explore the many program options in environmental education. It is important to note that while an advanced degree in environmental education may be well suited to teachers (especially those in the middle and high school grades), these programs also could be suitable for people in the corporate world. 

Educational program titles — what you need to know

Schools choose the names of their masters’ programs to coordinate with their academic departments and curricula, which can create confusion. The North American Association for Environmental Education provides a searchable database for higher education programs specializing in the environmental sciences.

These are some of the more common program titles:

• Environmental Education
• Environmental Studies
• Science and Environmental Education
• Outdoor and Environmental Education
• Environmental Science Education

Not only do the names change based on the college or university, but degree options can vary as well. There are benefits and disadvantages to each degree choice. To help you decide between a MAT or M.Ed. program, consider your future career goals, then determine which coursework points you in the right direction.

What kinds of courses are offered in master’s in environmental education programs? What do they teach?

No matter how a environmental education program is titled, it will include both foundation curriculum and hands-on learning that lets you try different strategies for sharing career-related knowledge with students of all abilities.

Sample courses in environmental education programs:

• Climate Studies — Earth’s climate affects the quantity and quality of its resources and, in turn, the humans who reside on it. This course explains why and how our climate is changing and what we can do to slow it down. It also helps you realize the costs associated with adopting green strategies. Other content typically includes population impact studies, the global energy balance, and thermodynamics.
• Sustainability Management — This course focuses on sustainability practices on a local, national, and global scale. It usually covers renewable and conventional energy models, including energy management. You may also learn how to create cost-benefit analyses of different conservation scenarios.
• Environmental Science — This core course looks at environmental issues from a scientific angle. It also examines the cause and effect of human activities on the planet. Topics can be as diverse as the water temperature in the oceans to pollution in urban areas. You’ll also learn to approach the geology and natural sciences from an ecological standpoint.
• Environmental Policies — By studying environmental policies, you can learn how governments influence a society’s response to conservation practices. You’ll also gain insight into the economic impact of environmental laws and discover the benefits of comparing alternative strategies. Coursework usually includes an in-depth look at past environmental decisions — the good and the bad.

Variations in coursework in environmental education programs

Program curricula will vary depending on the school’s goals. Some of the factors of your decision will include cost and time to complete, but you cannot underestimate the importance of the coursework in the program. Make certain to research all the courses in a program you’re considering to make sure they are relevant to your goals.

What else makes graduate environmental education programs unique?

• Internships — Most programs require you to work a select number of hours in the field, whether its team-teaching or working on a government-sponsored project. Actual work experience provides people skills and helps you learn the ins and outs of your new career. Lab work and field trips let you gain a different perspective on the importance of conservation, whether it’s in your own community or across the globe.
• A World of Possibilities — The range of study opportunities is vast. From private land conservation to creating change within urban communities, environmental education lets you choose a path that not only interests you but helps you make a difference in the world.
• Communication Skills — The extensive amount of person-to-person interactions in this program can help improve the communication skills you already have. Environmental educators must relate to people as distinct as local farmers, high-level politicians, and school administrators. Hone your classroom management abilities or take your speaking skills out of the classroom and into the boardroom.
• Political Awareness — With your newfound knowledge of environmental policies, you can begin to see the world in a different light. By realizing every change has associated benefits and costs, you can learn to make future decisions based on facts, not opinions. You can also learn how to bring about change from a grassroots level and secure grants and other funding opportunities to enhance your students’ learning.

When it comes to finding the right environmental education program, options are a very good thing. Do your research and find the best match for your interests and goals.

What jobs are available to people with a master’s in environmental education?

From teaching students of all ages to a career in government and nonprofit organizations, environmental educators have a wide variety of job opportunities.

Education – PreK-12 and universities or colleges

Schools at all levels are realizing the benefits of environmental education programs.  You may be able to offer career-related education for students at nearly any level.

Environmental Science Instructor

• Develop and coordinate lesson plans on conservation, sustainability, and green living
• Enrich students through a dynamic learning environment
• Assess learning outcomes
• Supervise lab and field experiments

Resource Supervisor for Environmental Education

• Organize and develop school curricula that focus on the environmental sciences
• Coordinate field trips and in-service programs
• Analyze the program’s success through assessment data
• Seek funding for new exhibits and resources

STEM Instructor

• Plan classroom activities and organize student workflow
• Integrate math, science, and technology with your environmental curriculum
• Communicate with students, parents, and school administration
• Assess the success of the coursework studied

Other corporations and businesses

Director of Parks and Recreation

• Oversee all aspects of the department
• Maintain and analyze operating budgets
• Develop outdoor education programs for all age levels
• Coordinate with City Council and public and business enterprises

Environmental Program Consultant

• Determine the appropriate management of business waste
• Review departments for compliance
• Provide technical support to management
• Develop in-house training and educational materials
• Certificates in Early Childhood Education
• Master's in PE, Sports & Athletics Administra...
• Degrees and Certificates for Teachers & Educa...

M.A. in Environmental Education

Inquire now, earn a master's degree in environmental education.

Environmental Education is a lifelong learning practice and interdisciplinary approach that helps individuals and communities learn more about their own landscapes and cultivate the knowledge, skills, relationships, and efficacy to address local and global environmental issues. A social justice framework prepares you to secure social, emotional, and academic success.

• Exceptional faculty
• Asynchronous coursework
• Customized practicum

This program is accredited by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).

100% Online

Multiple Start Dates

No GRE/GMAT

No Application Fee

Environmental Education

The program promotes best practices in the field recognizing the myriad of benefits when pedagogy is experiential, student-centered, and place-based in the surrounding human and biological communities. Not only does the environment inherently sustain all life on Earth, our personal and cultural identities are often tied to the landscapes around us as well.

Why Prescott College?

Distinct degree programs designed to meet your unique needs with flexible online and applied learning.

• Highly connected, small class sizes
• Experiential learning approach
• Leverage coursework in your own community
• Focus on Social and Environmental Justice

Career Pathways

Progressive curriculum designed to produce highly qualified leaders in experiential education.

• Environmental Education Design Specialist
• Ecological Educator
• Environmental Communication Professional
• Outdoor Education Administrator

MEET YOUR COUNSELOR

Schedule a talk now.

Our M.A. in Education with an Emphasis in Environmental Education leverages Prescott College’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and a renowned focus on experiential education. Tell me about your interests, and I can describe how our program might suit you.

Whether you’re just beginning to consider graduate programs or are curious about specific details, I look forward to connecting with you. Schedule a call today!

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Master of Arts in Environmental Education

• MA Environmental Education
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Earn an MA in Environmental Education from Goshen College

Goshen College offers an immersive 11-month residential graduate program culminating in a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Education . Study and live at the college’s 1,189-acre nature preserve –  Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center  – with a one-month practicum pursuing intercultural environmental education beyond Merry Lea. Live, study, explore and teach on-site in the outdoor classroom of Merry Lea: which is among the best-assembled land preserves and one of the largest private preserves in Indiana.

Take Your Career to the Next Level with a Master’s in Environmental Education

Join a small cohort of aspiring environmental educators in a holistic, enriching experience through academic courses in natural and social sciences, ecological field work and extensive PreK-12 teaching opportunities!

Transform your passion with a long-term commitment to care for the environment while inspiring others with sustainability education and the environmental sciences.

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Goshen College offers  a 10% discount on tuition  for post-baccalaureate programs to students that have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Goshen College. Learn more at  goshen.edu/discount

2-Minute Overview

Become a leader in education and contribute to the care, restoration and preservation of our environment.

What Makes Our Environmental Education Degree Distinct?

• Live, study, explore and teach on site at a 1,189-acre nature preserve: where you can walk through oak hickory forests, a pawpaw grove, or a prairie to class.
• Intimately get to know the restored landscapes of Merry Lea by conducting ecological field work, learning about sustainable farming and obtaining land management training in the outdoor classroom of Merry Lea.
• Combine dynamic and challenging learning with 4 months of extensive teaching experiences alongside professional environmental educators.
• Observe, teach and develop curricula in a variety of contexts, including but not limited to: Nature Preschool, school field trips, adult workshops and day camps.
• Design a multi-faceted, creative research project with a professor – from conducting restorative ecology in local schools to creating interpretive trail signs.
• Gain leadership training and skills in program management.
• Work closely with faculty and a small cohort of other students.

Connect learners of all ages to the landscapes of Merry Lea and practice these place-based skills in contexts beyond Merry Lea.

• Gain intercultural experience by spending a month learning from and teaching other communities. Past cohorts have gone to Andros Island, Bahamas or Hopi lands in Arizona.
• Attend national and regional conferences and workshops, networking with other environmental educators, peers and professionals.
• Visit and learn from other field organizations tackling environmental issues throughout the Great Lakes Region.
• Complete a master’s degree in 11 months (no GRE scores required to apply).
• Whether you are beginning your career or continuing a lifelong profession in environmental education, our program prepares you to hit the ground running with marketable and applicable skills.

Transform Your Passion into a Career

Whether you are beginning your career or continuing a lifelong profession in environmental education, our program develops your skills and environmental literacy to work with schools, businesses, parks, federal agencies, non-profit advocacy groups, churches and engaged communities supporting progress. Become a leader in environmental science education for a sustainable future and contribute to the care, restoration, and preservation of our ecological systems. Fill out the form below to get started.

See where just a few of our alumni are now:

Gena Grobarek '20

Ecoliteracy Coordinator at Oak Farm Montessori School in Avilla, Ind.

Josh Crawford '19

7th grade science and chemistry teacher in Redford, Mich.

Judy Miller '15

former Energy Education Specialist for Goshen Community Schools in Goshen, Ind.

Tom Hartzell '12

Sustainability Coordinator at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich.

News in Environmental Education

Goshen College to offer alumni a 10 percent discount on post-bachelor’s programs

May 12, 2022

Merry Lea environmental educator Good-Elliott receives state award

November 17, 2021

Professor Joel Pontius named co-editor of Springer Nature’s Environmental Discourses in Science Education Series

September 21, 2021

Faculty and Staff

John Mischler

Assistant Professor of Sustainability and Environmental Education & Director of ASI

• [email protected]
• (260) 799-5869 ( Call  |  Text )
• Merry Lea - Rieth Village

Marcos Stolzfus

Director of Environmental Education Outreach

• [email protected]

Jonathon Schramm

Professor of Sustainability and Environmental Education

• [email protected]

Associate Professor of Environmental Education Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Environmental Ed

• [email protected]

Ruth Mischler

Assistant Professor of Sustainability and Environmental Education

• [email protected]

Bill Minter

Associate Professor of Environmental Science

• [email protected]

Jason Martin

Merry Lea Executive Director

• [email protected]

Best Environmental Education colleges in the U.S. 2024

Best environmental education colleges in the u.s. for 2024.

University of Georgia offers 1 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 13 Environmental Education students graduated with students earning 13 Certificates.

University of Delaware offers 1 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb.

CUNY City College offers 1 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city.

University of Nevada-Reno offers 1 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 3 Environmental Education students graduated with students earning 3 Bachelor's degrees.

Arizona State University Campus Immersion offers 1 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 11 Environmental Education students graduated with students earning 11 Certificates.

Whitworth University offers 1 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.

University of Idaho offers 2 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 12 Environmental Education students graduated with students earning 9 Master's degrees, and 3 Certificates.

University of Minnesota-Duluth offers 1 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 7 Environmental Education students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.

Hamline University offers 2 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 30 Environmental Education students graduated with students earning 30 Certificates.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers 1 Environmental Education degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 2 Environmental Education students graduated with students earning 2 Certificates.

Find local colleges with Environmental Education majors in the U.S.

List of all environmental education colleges in the u.s..

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Discover Active Learning

Outdoor & Environmental Education Master of Science

Career outcomes, degree roadmap, concentrations, student profiles, similar programs, institute & program area.

• Requirements

Combine your passions for the natural world and for teaching in APU’s master’s degree program in Outdoor and Environmental Education.

Farm and Forest will be your classroom on APU’s Kellogg Campus in Palmer, Alaska, where you will hone your teaching skills at the Kellogg Field School outdoor education lab school.

Join a small cohort of peers while pursuing your interest in outdoor, environmental, adventure and wilderness education in a seamless, place-based program in a place of unparalleled beauty.

Every graduate student spends a portion of their first semester in the MOSEE program teaching at Kellogg Field School

A one credit practicum is integrated with the Curriculum Design course to provide students the opportunity to tie theory to application immediately. This practicum is typically reimbursed as a teaching assistantship to help cover the investment made by the student. It also helps our new graduate students meet our local community of parents and kids and immerse themselves in the kind of active learning they came here to experience. Visit kelloggfieldschool.org for more information.

• Environmental Educator, Alaska Department of Fish & Game
• Field Instructor, Alaska Avalanche School
• Certified Elementary Teacher, Houston Elementary School
• Field Instructor, National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
• Certified Elementary Teacher, Northern Pacific Academy
• Faculty and Environmental Educator, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Recreational Therapist, Northstar Behavioral Health
• Kids Don’t Float Program Coordinator, Alaska DNR – Office of Boating Safety
• Interpretive Ranger, NPS
• Public Safety Ranger, Alaska State Parks
• Site Coordinator, Trailside Discovery Camps
• Professional Development Manager, Camp Fire Alaska

Curriculum Design for Outdoor Educators

Power of place in education, teaching methods for experiential education, research methods, learning theory in outdoor education, outdoor & environmental literacy, elective expeditions and skills: sea kayaking, mountaineering, leadership, thesis seminar i, thesis seminar ii, thesis research/professional project.

Student Thesis Titles

You love the outdoors. You love teaching. You will love this.

Students pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental and Outdoor Education (MSOEE) have the option to pursue a K-8 Teaching Certificate with APU’s Certificate Only Option Program (CO-OP). Students will dual-enroll in the Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education (MSOEE) and the CO-OP, enabling them to obtain both the MSOEE and teacher certification in Alaska that will give you thorough preparation for teaching in public and charter schools with an emphasis in environmental and outdoor education. Your first year of the program will be spent taking classes primarily at APU’s 900 acre Kellogg Campus in Palmer, Alaska. The second year is spent at APU’s Anchorage campus preparing for and completing your student teaching.

This degree option gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of careers, including positions in public, private or charter schools, interpretive and education specialist jobs in land management agencies and positions in non-governmental organizations and businesses such as conservation organizations and camps.

When other responsibilities aren’t pressing, he can usually be found backpacking, backcountry skiing, biking or reading  – and always ready to share a meal with a friend, old or new. -Eli Conlee – Current MSOEE Student

Community & Place-Based Education

Bachelor of Arts

Environmental Public Health

Bachelor of Science

Marine & Environmental Sciences

Outdoor studies.

Moving and craving adventure? Get paid to do what you love. In Outdoor Studies, we prepare students for meaningful lives and careers working with people in the outdoors through expedition and active learning. Students earn either a bachelors in Outdoor Studies or a master of science in Outdoor and Environmental Education.

Our classes utilize Alaska’s millions of acres of wildlands and diverse human resources to provide unmatched opportunities to experience and learn the skills and knowledge needed to be an outdoor professional. You will be prepared for positions in parks and recreation, commercial recreation, outdoor and environmental education, wilderness therapy, and snow science.

Outdoor Studies Institutes

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• B.A. in Environmental Design

Environmental Design

http://arch.montana.edu/

School of Architecture

The School of Architecture offers a four year Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design undergraduate program which, when combined with our three-semester graduate program, leads to a fully accredited Master of Architecture degree. The Master of Architecture degree is a first-professional degree.

In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year term, an eight-year term with conditions, or a two-year term of continuing accreditation, or a three-year term of initial accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established education standards.

Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a non-accredited undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the non-accredited degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

Montana State University, School of Architecture offers the following NAAB-accredited degree program:

Master of Architecture (pre-professional degree [126 credits] + 42 graduate credits)

The next scheduled NAAB-accreditation visit for Montana State University’s Master of Architecture degree program will take place in 2023.

The Montana State University School of Architecture received a full 8 year accreditation standard in Summer 2014.  

The School of Architecture seeks to prepare students for a lifelong critical engagement in the arts and science of architecture. Located in "the last best place" of the Northern Rockies, we are in an extraordinary position to engage questions regarding the relationship between the natural and built environments. As architects, we strive to play an essential and innovative role in enhancing the human condition. To that end, we teach and practice a moral, ethical and aesthetic responsibility to society and the natural world in the design of the built environment. The School of Architecture empowers students to critically engage the complexities of society and the natural environment by instilling the fundamental principles of design and inspiring a spirit of exploration and creative experimentation in shaping the built environment.

It is in our design studios that this philosophy is most clearly demonstrated. Each studio is conceived to build upon the previous studio in a manner that develops a student's mastery of the science of architecture while at the same time exposing the student to the rich diversity of our faculty's philosophical beliefs. Within a structured sequence of increasingly complex problems, emphasis is placed on teaching both an iterative design process and the visualization skills necessary to demonstrate the resultant design proposals. The science of architecture is continuously evolving and will do so over the life of every architect. We are committed to preparing our students to enter the profession with both contemporary scientific knowledge and emerging technical expertise to further this evolution while at the same time ensuring that our graduates are grounded in the fundamental drawing design thinking, investigative and communication skills that have been central to architecture throughout its history. In addition to the science of architecture, we are equally committed to ensuring that our graduates acquire a critical philosophy with which they can engage the design of the built environment.

Knowing how to build is a matter of science and technology but knowing what to build is a question of morality, ethics, and aesthetic responsibility. In this regard the faculty shares a commitment to the stewardship of our environment. This is particularly important in the Northern Rockies where our historic fabric of cities, rural communities and the natural landscape coexist in a tenuous balance. Focusing on the broad principles of creating a sustainable social, cultural, economic and physical environment we utilize the region, from its major cities to its national parks, as the canvas for our teaching, research and creative activities.

Architecture

Briefly defined, architecture is the art and science of designing buildings that provide appropriate accommodation for human activities. Professional practice requires a person with the unique combination of creative ability, technical knowledge, human understanding, and administrative skill. The undergraduate Environmental Design curriculum, which leads to the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design degree, prepares students to enter the graduate program in Architecture at Montana State University  or serves as a basis for application to other graduate programs or for employment as a non-architect in environmental design fields. However, the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design degree by itself does not qualify students to become registered architects. Students wishing to become registered architects must complete the graduate program of study and receive the accredited Master of Architecture degree.

Once admitted to the Environmental Design program, and after completing their fourth year design studios, students with an acceptable academic record may apply to the Master of Architecture professional program. Specific dates for graduate applications can be obtained from the main office of the School of Architecture. The program offers a professional education as well as exposure to other academic disciplines, and provides the foundation for an internship with a practicing architect.

In most states, a graduate with a professional degree in architecture needs to complete the requirements of the Architecture Experience Program (AXP)  developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in which students gain varied experience in an architectural office. Graduates of the Master of Architecture program are qualified to take the Architectural Registration Exam in order to obtain a professional license. A person is not authorized to practice architecture until the architectural licensing examination is passed and a license is issued. Other areas of employment open to the architecture graduate include construction, government service, industry, and education.

In addition to the college preparatory curriculum, high school students planning on enrolling in architecture are especially encouraged to take art courses such as basic design and drawing.

Students begin the undergraduate program in the fall semester because the first course of the design studio sequence is offered fall semester only. Students that have completed their university core requirements or have completed a previous degree may enroll in an accelerated first year design sequence offered in the summer semester.

Admission to the Environmental Design Program

Admission to the first year of the Environmental Design Program is open. At the end of the spring semester of the first year of the Environmental Design Program, students will undergo a substantive portfolio review to assess their preparedness for the subsequent three years of the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design degree program.  All portfolio reviews will be undertaken by the Second Year Admissions Committee. Total enrollment in the program shall be limited by the teaching resources and space capacities of the School of Architecture.

To continue into the second year of the environmental design program first year Environmental Design students must:

• Be in good scholastic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
• Have received at least a 3.0 Architecture Studio GPA (ARCH 151RA Design Fundamentals I & ARCH 152IA Design Fundamentals II)
• Have satisfactorily completed all required course work of the first year of the Environmental Design Program.
• Have a design portfolio that indicates creative potential. The design portfolio will be evaluated by faculty in the School of Architecture to assess a student’s preparedness for the subsequent three years of the program. Transfer students from other architecture or environmental design programs must have, prior to acceptance to an advanced design year placement, an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or above and a high quality, creative portfolio. Transfer students planning to attend the fall semester must submit their application and portfolio to the Environmental Design Program by May 1. Applications received after that date will be considered on a space-available basis only.

Formal Admission Process for  the Environmental Design Program:

• Application instructions and portfolio information will be provide to First year Environmental Design students each spring semester by approximately March 31st. The completed application form, plus portfolio of design and graphic work, are to be submitted to the School of Architecture by May 1.
• First year students are required to submit a portfolio including examples of their design and graphic work.
• An applicant who has previously undergone the portfolio review and was found to not be prepared for the subsequent years of the Environmental Design program must re-apply  for the portfolio review in the regular manner.
• First year Environmental Design students who are found to not be prepared for the subsequent years of the program have the right to meet with the School of Architecture Director for a review of their materials.

Students who are found to not be prepared for the subsequent years of the Environmental Design program may not take ARCH 253, ARCH 254, ARCH 261, or ARCH 262 or any upper division courses in the curriculum. Former students who have withdrawn after being admitted to the program must be in good scholastic standing for re-admission and will be readmitted on a space available basis only. Former students must contact the School in writing, stating their intent to return, at least two months prior to their return so that a decision can be made regarding space availability.

Architecture Residency Internship Program

This is an optional enrichment program for students who, for a short period in their education, would benefit at least as much from professional experience as academic experience. The goals of the program are those of the required architecture courses plus those which can be sought only in the office context, such as familiarization with the relationship of all aspects of professional practice.

Students must obtain their own employment in an architecture firm for a continuous period of not less than 6 months.

Students must apply to the program by the end of Spring semester of their 3rd year. The Architecture Residency Internship  will take place during the Summer and Fall of the student's fourth year in Environmental Design curriculum. The Residency Internship Studio Coordinator reviews all applications and makes decisions concerning acceptance into the program. The criteria for admission are:

• A minimum 2.75 overall cumulative grade point average and a minimum 3.0 in all architecture courses.
• Completion of all required courses as tabulated through the third year.

Foreign Study Program

This is an optional enrichment program which allows qualified students to participate in an intensive semester of foreign study. Students pay the additional costs of travel, lodging, and administration related to this program in addition to normal tuition and fees. The program is typically offered  Summer semester, subject to funding constraints and student demand, and is organized and directed by a faculty member(s) from the School of Architecture.

The criteria for participation in the Foreign Study Program are as follows:

• A high degree of self-motivation and self-discipline as demonstrated by performance in required course work.
• A minimum 3.0 overall cumulative grade point average and a minimum 3.0 in all architecture courses.
• Completion of ARCH 121IA , ARCH 322IA and ARCH 323IA .

A program application must be submitted by  December 1st of the third year of the Environmental Design program. A cash deposit will be required at this time. 

Standard of Work in Architecture Courses

Any student receiving two consecutive grades of C- or lower in any design sequence course will be required to repeat the last course in which a C- or lower was received.

Costs for an architectural education are similar to, though somewhat higher than, other programs in the university. An academic exposure to both rural and urban settings through class field trips, the integration of computer technology, networking, digital fabrication, printing as well as other program enhancements are an important part of an architect's education. In order to meet this need and help defer costs of the field trips, computer integration, lecture series and program enhancements, a Program Fee is assessed to each student in the environmental design and architectural programs that reflects the student's degree status in the program. For current Program Fee costs, students may contact the School of Architecture.  Students are required to purchase their own personal notebook computer, which meets the specifications of the School of Architecture, during the second year of the Environmental Design undergraduate program. The computer will be an essential tool for use throughout the Professional Program.

Beyond normal tuition, fees, room, board, and supplies, an architectural student requires drawing equipment and materials for drawing and models during the school year. This can be expected to add at least another $600 per year to the cost. Inquiries for financial aid or assistance should be sent directly to the Office of Financial Aid Services at Montana State University.

Curriculum in Environmental Design

ARCH 414 , ARCH 428 and ARCH 450 are offered both Summer and Fall semesters in the Senior year  to provide diverse options. 

A minimum of 126 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

The School of Architecture reserves the right to retain student work for exhibition and instructional purposes.

Graduate Programs

• Master of Architecture

Montana State University

P.O. Box 172220

Bozeman, MT 59717-2220

Telephone: (406) 994-6650

Fax: (406) 994-1972

Email: [email protected]

Location: 101 Montana Hall

Antoni Campeau

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