Overview

The Global Field Program (GFP) is a part-time master’s degree program that brings scientists, educators, community leaders, and others together at wildlife conservation hotspots in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas for firsthand experience with inquiry-driven education, environmental stewardship, and global understanding.

Students in the program work towards their 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) while focusing their master’s degree coursework on topics such as environmental justice, ecological restoration, participatory education, urban sustainability – driven by their individual interests.

GFP master’s candidates join a growing network of leaders who work collaboratively to bring about change in local and global contexts. The GFP builds on the graduate courses and environmental partnerships of Earth Expeditions (see the Earth Expeditions website for descriptions of the global field course sites).

Miami’s GFP is designed for students seeking graduate-level training in the fields of environmental biology, conservation biology, sustainability, environmental education, participatory education, and more.

Because the GFP combines summer field courses worldwide with online learning communities, this master’s degree can be completed part-time from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.

Featured Video*

GFP students study globally through Earth Expeditions field courses

Current field course locations: the Amazon Rainforest, Australia, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galápagos, Guyana, Hawaii, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Namibia, Paraguay, and Thailand with future conservation and education partnerships in development.

Master’s Degree Options

Applicants elect to enroll in either a Master of Arts in Teaching in the Biological Sciences (MAT; for teachers with an existing license; does NOT lead to licensure) or a Master of Arts in Biology (MA) (see program details). MA and MAT candidates go through the Global Field 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.

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: Earth Expeditions courses can be taken for stand-alone graduate credit outside the degree program (see the Earth Expeditions website).

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree. Enrollment is open to applicants regardless of academic major or profession. The GFP 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 Year 1 is $6,435 + Airfare. This includes the Earth Expeditions Field Course Costs and Online Course Costs. Click here to learn about reduced tuition, offsetting graduate program costs and scholarship options.

Applications

Are accepted through January 28 of each year for enrollment beginning late spring. The GRE is not required. Click here to review the requirements and begin your application.

More Information

Contact: gfp_masters@miamioh.edu.

* Video produced by Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

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