I just got an announcement about a graduate degree focused on inquiry driven learning and social change.
The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is a joint program between the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Miami University’s Project Dragonfly.
The unique spin of AIP combines graduate courses that take place at the zoo with web-based learning communities that also link you up with a network of educators and community leaders.
There are two degrees available:
- Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) in Biological Sciences for licensed K-12 teachers
- Master of Arts (MA) in Zoology for informal educators
The Advanced Inquiry Program Master’s candidates use inquiry for integrated learning and as a tool for student achievement, public engagement in science, and ecological stewardship.
All Advanced Inquiry Program students join a network of local and national leaders whose goal is to work together to implement change and to improve their professions, institutions, neighborhoods, and environments.
Eligibility for Advanced Inquiry Program
Enrollment in the Advanced Inquiry Program is open to applicants that have been awarded a Bachelor’s degree, regardless of academic major.
Advanced Inquiry Program is specifically designed for K-12 teachers and those with a broad range of environmental and education professionals.
In addition, this program can be completed as a part-time course of study for anyone who is employed.
Advanced Inquiry Program Requirements: 35 Hours
- 21 credit hours at the zoo, combined with
- 14 additional credit hours via web-based learning communities.
All 35 hours involve a web component and students must also complete a Master’s portfolio.
Sample Graduate Courses
- Foundations of Advanced Inquiry: Grasp an understanding of the philosophy and process of inquiry.
- Habitats, Adaptation, and Evolution: Investigate key questions about different species and their habitats.
- Plants & People: Explore inquiry to generate knowledge and illuminate the relationships between plants and people.
- Primate Behavior & Conservation: Study primate behavior through direct observation and discuss conservation issues.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
A leading informal and formal education facility, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden provides a unique and ideal learning environment in which to gain an appreciation and understanding of science and nature.
Education programs for all ages foster a sense of wonder, share knowledge, and advocate active involvement with wildlife and wild places.
The Zoo’s Education Department co-founded Earth Expeditions, a professional development program for educators, upon which the Advanced Inquiry Program is founded.
Application Deadline
All application materials should arrive by February 28.
For further information visit the Advanced Inquiry Program or apply here.
Direct contacts for further information:
Project Dragonfly Miami University in Oxford, Ohio
Connie Malone
e-mail: malonecm@muohio.edu
Tel. 513-529-5103
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Dan Marsh
e-mail: dan.marsh@cincinnatizoo.org
Tel. 513-559-7717
The Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield Zoo)
Agnes Kovacs
e-mail: agnes.kovacs@czs.org
Tel. 708-688-8223
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