Goshen College

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Arts in Environmental Education

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Goshen College offers a one year graduate program that culminates in a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Education. The entire program takes place at the college's field station -- Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. Members of a cohort begin the program in early July and complete all the requirements for the degree by June of the following year.

Key Opportunities in the Program:
1. Study at a premier environmental center—Merry Lea has a 25-year history of providing high quality environmental education to 7,000 regional K-12 students. We incorporate the best practices of inquiry-based education in natural history, farm craft, maple sugaring, and wetland restoration.

2. Learn under the guidance of excellent faculty—The staff has decades of cumulative experience in delivering environmental education programs. Their degrees are in diverse fields such as: conservation biology, ecology, outdoor resources management, educational leadership, pedagogy, and policy.

3. Explore the ecosystem laboratory—The 1,189-acre preserve is among the best-assembled land preserves in Indiana and contains a wonderful complex of wetlands, lakeshores, upland and lowland forests, prairies and meadows. The program provides an immersion in natural history that will enable participants to share their knowledge and passion with society.

4. Join other students passionate about environmental education—The program is a holistic investigation of all aspects of environmental education and includes team-based learning.

5. Finish in less than a year—Students can complete our intensive, challenging, and rewarding program in 11 months from early July to early June.

A comprehensive curriculum for environmental educators --
Courses:
• Natural History of the Southern Great Lakes Region
• Principles of Environmental Education
• Research and Methods for Environmental Education
• Environmental Education History and Issues
• Leadership for Environmental Programs and Centers
• Land Management for Environmental Education

• Project -- Each student will complete a major project. The project will focus on an ecological question, a pedagogical question or an environmental issue. This nine-month investigation is chosen and designed by the student in close conjunction with a faculty advisor.
• Portfolio -- Students will create portfolios of their work including ecological observations, curriculum samples, photography, nature writing and program delivery.
• Practicum -- Students will gain professional experience by working with professionals to deliver onsite and outreach programs in environmental education. Students will learn to deliver, coordinate and develop environmental education programs.

The Master of Arts in Environmental Education will prepare students to work with people of all ages in diverse settings such as nature centers, outdoor education programs, nonprofit camps, state or federal parks, arboretums, public and private schools or independent environmental organizations.

An applicant’s undergraduate degree may be from any academic discipline, but a strong interest in environmental education is expected. The mix of backgrounds enriches dialog within the cohort.

Please contact us with your questions.

Accreditation:

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Eligibility Requirements:

Although applicants for this interdisciplinary program may come from a diverse variety of backgrounds and educational fields, all applicants are required to have at least one college level course in biology, physical or natural science.
• Resume; including academic and employment history
• Official copies of college/university transcripts in sealed and signed envelopes
• Personal written statement -- a two-page typed essay illustrating your motivation for pursing a Master of Arts in Environmental Education.

# of Credits Required:

33

International Student Requirements:

TOEFL scores are required.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition In-State Full Time:

24000 USD

Tuition Out of State Full Time:

24000 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Baccalaureate Colleges--Liberal Arts

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Small City

Size & Settings: Under 1,000