Master of Arts in Education: Natural Science and Environmental Education

Community collaborations, field-based research, current knowledge, deep discussion. Learning that enriches the lives of others and makes a difference on the planet. The Center for Global Environmental Education has collaborated to develop a highly respected environmental education program designed to bring out the best in you.

Program Overview

For 15 years, Hamline University’s Environmental Education program has served its purpose of fostering environmental literacy and stewardship in citizens of all ages. Among Hamline's education programs is its Master of Arts in Education in Natural Science and Environmental Education, offering individuals the knowledge and experience needed to take leadership roles in their local settings. The program helps students recognize and clarify their commitment to a sustainable world. Using community and service as the context, theory and practice are linked. Complex community issues require individuals be reflective about their environmental values and help others reflect as well. The Master's program emphasizes field-based research and community collaborations. The faculty uses multiple learning strategies — creative arts experiences, field-based science inquiry, technology-mediated distance learning — suited to varied teaching and learning situations. Online, weekend and intensive summer courses offer choices to complete degree requirements. The program addresses the distance challenges of students from around Minnesota, the nation and the world and creates a community of international learners who share a common vision: Think globally, teach locally. 

Coursework

Required courses are designed around three course categories: Foundations, Knowledge, and Research.

Foundations:
Key elements of environmental education, policy, laws, literacy, history, philosophy, and underlying environmental debate, issues and problems.  Also includes fundamentals of teaching and learning about, for and through the environment.

Knowledge:
The physical and biological processes and relationships that constitute ecosystems. Our world considered through dual lenses of natural and social systems.

Research:
Authentic forms of inquiry and investigative models in research.