Newswise — The Wildlife Conservation Society and Project Dragonfly at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, are partnering to bring a groundbreaking new master's degree program to the New York metropolitan area.
The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience allowing participants to take classes in person from WCS faculty at the Bronx Zoo and other WCS facilities and in web-based learning communities from Miami University’s Project Dragonfly.
Degree offerings include a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in the Biological Sciences and a Master of Arts (MA) in Biology. Some of the courses offered include, Foundations of Inquiry, Environmental Stewardship in My Community, Ecosystems of the Northeast, Zoo Expeditions, and Global Biomes. AIP master's candidates may also choose to integrate a professional development experience abroad for credit by choosing from Earth Expeditions field courses in Africa, Asia, Australia, or the Americas.
“AIP offers an advanced approach to exploring some of the most pressing conservation issues of our time,” said Don Lisowy, Director of Education, WCS Zoos and Aquarium. “The program allows students the chance to use our zoos and aquarium as their campus; creating meaningful learning experiences they can take back to their communities. We’re delighted to be partnering with Project Dragonfly on this cutting-edge program.”
The AIP is based on the principle that education should extend beyond the classroom, and that students should make a difference as a basic function of education itself. AIP Master's students practice the skills of investigation, critical reflection, leadership, and collaboration required to effectively address the vital issues of our time.
Project Dragonfly reaches millions of people each year through inquiry-driven learning media, public exhibits, and graduate programs worldwide. AIP graduate students join a growing alliance of education, environmental, and community leaders. The AIP is a one-of-a-kind graduate degree co-delivered by major community institutions committed to local, national, and global change.
Project Dragonfly is located in the Department of Biology at Miami University, a state university in Oxford, Ohio, established in 1809. Miami, listed as one of the eight original Public Ivies, has a long and distinguished record of excellence in research and teaching in science and education.
Applications are being accepted until Feb. 28 for enrollment in summer 2014. Enrollment is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree – regardless of academic major or profession.
For more information and to see the full line-up of WCS’s educational offerings, visit www.wcs.org.