Environmental Education

Environmental educators translate the complex web of earth systems science, sustainability, environmental issues, and environmental change for the public. Our work is to lay bare the interface between humans and the planet to facilitate ecological literacy and ecologically responsible behavior. As we assist people in becoming more sensitive to and aware of earth systems and environmental change, we also provide the knowledge, skills, and motivation for sustainable living. Our work demands that we be holistic systems thinkers who are able to make interconnections across difference and seek solutions to the complex environmental challenges we witness today. We must be adaptive leaders who are creative, open to new ideas, and able to work in a variety of community contexts. Our work is to build a more ecologically literate population that makes decisions with the earth in mind, empowered by the knowledge and skills to work individually and collectively toward the solution of current environmental problems, and the prevention of new problems through sustainable living.

An effective environmental educator has a working knowledge of natural history and a foundation in ecological principles, earth systems science, and global environmental change. Environmental education requires an understanding of the social, political, and economic aspects of human systems and how they impact the ecological system. Being an environmental educator means understanding how people learn and what motivates and compels people to change. This specialization balances knowledge about the learning process with a solid foundation in environmental science and acquisition of effective teaching methodologies and educational designs.

Make meaning out of the world.

The best educators help people make meaning out of the world by challenging them to think critically, understand deeply, and translate knowledge into action. Our integrated, experientially based program exposes you to a variety of techniques, educational settings, and curricular designs. You experience environmental interpretation techniques, school-relevant design, exhibit development and evaluation, research processes, and environmental communication approaches.

Get individualized attention.

Each student develops an educational philosophy and program direction based on personal interests and professional goals that reflect clear values and knowledge of how people learn. Throughout the program, you develop a portfolio of educational approaches that identify and direct you to the best possible professional application of your education.

Program Delivery

• 42 credits
• Begin in Fall
• Classes 2 days a week plus a capstone project
• 4-5 semesters to complete