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Online
Posted: 1 year ago

£12,193 per program

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Miami University’s Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) offers a ground-breaking online master’s degree that combines web-based Miami graduate courses with face-to-face experiential learning and field study at some of the nation’s premier zoological, botanical, and wildlife conservation institutions. AIP students earning a Master of Arts in Biology (MA) or Master of Arts in Teaching in the Biological Sciences (MAT) (for teachers with an existing license; does NOT lead to licensure) are able to share ideas with peers and faculty nationally, while focusing their master’s degree coursework on topics such as environmental justice, ecological restoration, participatory education, urban sustainability – driven by their individual interests.

Through connections with their local zoo or botanical garden, students in the program join an unprecedented national network of leading institutions committed to social and ecological change. Students learn to leverage inquiry not only as a method for integrated learning, but as a basic tool for co-creating a better and more sustainable future.

AIP master’s candidates also have the unique option to integrate once-in-a-lifetime international field study into their coursework by choosing from Earth Expeditions courses in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas (7 credits from Earth Expeditions courses can count toward the AIP master’s degree).

Miami’s AIP is designed for students seeking graduate-level course work in the fields of environmental biology, conservation biology, sustainability, environmental education, participatory education, and more. Philosophically, the program is based on the principle that education should extend beyond the classroom, and that students should make a difference – not just after graduation, but now, as a basic function of education itself.

Master’s Degree Options and Delivery

Applicants elect to enroll in either a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree in the Biological Sciences (for teachers with an existing license; does NOT lead to licensure) or a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Biology (see Program Details). MA and MAT candidates go through the Advanced Inquiry Program together.

Both the MA in Biology and MAT in Biological Sciences degree paths are open to a broad range of individuals including recent college graduates and professionals working in non-profit, education, business, and government settings – anyone who holds a Bachelor’s degree and has interest in improving human and ecological communities. Specifically with teachers in mind, the MAT degree provides real-world experiences that advance district, state, and national educational standards through research-based practices for student achievement in core content areas.

In both Master’s degrees, all courses are delivered online by a Miami University instructor. Two-thirds of AIP courses also include up to five days (or equivalent) per course of experiential learning on grounds of a Master Institution and in and around the region where the Master Institution is located.

Miami University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (please see Miami University’s Accreditation page).

Note: Some courses, for example the Earth Expeditions courses, can be taken for stand-alone graduate credit outside the degree program.

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Eligibility

Enrollment is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree regardless of academic major or profession, who have consistent online access, and who are able to travel to an AIP Master Institution, currently located in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Jacksonville, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, and St. Louis. All coursework occurs online, while experiential learning takes place at Master Institutions.

The AIP master’s can be completed part-time while working. Miami offers significantly reduced tuition for this program.

COVID Response Information

Concerned about COVID-19? As a pioneer in multi-faceted online, hybrid, multi-site, and experiential learning, Project Dragonfly implements diverse approaches for engaged education and is fully prepared to adapt courses as needed to maximize safety regardless of the situation in summer 2021 and beyond. For more information, see our FAQ: Can I start and complete this degree with possible travel and in-person restrictions due to COVID?

Tuition

The total cost for the degree program (35 credits) is $16,450 US. Click here to learn about reduced tuition, offsetting graduate program costs and scholarship options.

Applications

Accepted until February 28 each year for enrollment in the subsequent summer. The GRE is not required. Click here to review the requirements and begin your application.

AIP Flyers

Download the 2022 AIP Flyer