Environmental and Informal Science Education, M.S.

The master of science in environmental and informal science education develops and enhances knowledge of subject matter and educational theory, research and practice in environmental education or informal science education. The program includes graduate courses in science/environmental content, education and research. This program is open to individuals with experience and/or interests in any formal programs (i.e., schools) or non-formal/informal programs (e.g., programs delivered through nature/environmental centers, parks, zoos, aquaria, museums, media, online sites). Education coursework complements the previous educational experience.

The program can be taken either on a full- or part-time basis. Graduate courses in education are offered in the evening to allow teachers and other working professionals to complete degree requirements.

Admission Requirements 

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field (environmental, marine, life, earth or physical science/studies) or in a related area of education, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with degrees in other fields may be accepted but may be required to take courses in preparation for graduate study in this program.

Applicants are required to submit the materials listed above, including a statement of objectives that describes their background and reasons for graduate study in the area in which they wish to specialize.

General admission requirements and the application process are presented under General Academic Information (all students)  and Graduate Academic Information .

Degree Requirements 

The Master of Science in Environmental and Informal Science Education is conferred on students who have successfully completed 30 credit hours consisting of core courses, a thesis or nonthesis option, and courses in a specialization. The thesis option concludes with an oral thesis presentation/defense. The nonthesis option concludes with an oral final program examination. A student can transfer up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate transfer credit from other accredited institutions.

It is the responsibility of the student to follow all master’s degree policies governed by the graduate programs office. It is also the responsibility of the student to organize their committee and to schedule their defense or examination in consultation with their academic advisor. 

Curriculum

Before completing nine credit hours of graduate study, each student must establish an appropriate program of study with their academic advisor, subject to final approval by the department head. With department and graduate programs office approval, up to six credit hours of upper-level undergraduate courses can be applied to the program.