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Course Listings
Master of Arts in Environmental Education
Enrollment for this program is on pause for curricular updates. Anticipated return to instruction is Fall 2027.
Executive Director of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center-OPEN
Professor J. Schramm
Associate Professor J. Mischler
Assistant Professor L. Kreider
Instructors K. Sproles, F. Bernston
Introduction
The master of arts in environmental education (MAEE) program is based at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College and is housed in the Biological Sciences Department (BSD). Distinctive aspects of this 11-month program include an immersion in natural history, exposure to many forms of environmental education, developing leadership skills, and building curriculum through investigation and research. Students also engage with environmental education programs at Merry Lea and the surrounding region for grades PreK-12. Merry Lea’s strengths in nature-based early childhood education and regenerative agricultural education can be especially helpful for students interested in those areas, but the flexibility of the program offers opportunities to learn and practice in many areas of environmental education. The degree has four major components: core courses, a project, an immersive intercultural experience, and an extensive practicum. Students integrate ecological learning with developing pedagogical skills. Additional practical concepts include land management, regenerative agriculture, leadership, and administration. See www.goshen.edu/graduate/environmentaleducation for more details.
Admission Information
Requirements for admission include a resume, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework. In addition, applicants must complete the Confidential Health Report form prior to enrollment and provide proof of health insurance. A limited number of scholarships are available for environmental education graduate students, tied to the Merry Lea mission and goals.
Tuition Information
- M.A. in Environmental Education (per credit hour)$87011 month, 33 credit hour program
Career Opportunities
Graduates work as (environmental) educators in diverse settings such as nature centers, outdoor education programs, camps, parks and recreation programs, state and federal agencies, public and private K-12 schools, post-secondary education, for-profit businesses, and independent environmental organizations.
Master of Arts in Environmental Education
33 credit hours
Summer I: July-August
Fall: September-December
Spring: January-April
Summer II: May
MAEE Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Environmental Education program, graduates will:
- Exhibit and promote systems thinking by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines into the design and delivery of environmental education.
- Demonstrate an approach to environmental education that reflects an understanding of ecological processes common to all systems in rural, natural and urban settings.
- Be proficient in the design, implementation, and assessment of environmental education programs and be familiar with the use of sociological research methods for evaluation.
- Be competent in teaching skills and practices needed for the delivery of experiential, inquiry and field-based environmental education programs.
- Be able to recommend and utilize best practices in leading people in the context of environmental education, to facilitate policy and/or behavioral change in individuals, organizations, and society in order to improve or preserve our environment.
- Be able to evaluate resources and apply skills necessary for managing resources for the successful delivery of environmental education programs.
ENED 510 Natural History of So. Great Lakes
A study of the plants and animals of this region – and the ecosystems in which they are found. Emphasis on the 1) the interrelationships in ecosystems 2) the function of ecosystems, both how they operate and how they impact...
ENED 515 Research Methods
This course investigates a wide range of research strategies that an environmental educator may use and/or encounter in the course of their career. The applied approach is primarily as a leader or director who is either evaluating an existing program,...
ENED 520 Principles of Environmental Educ
A study of distinctive concepts and skills needed for delivering quality environmental education programs. The following themes-within the context of natural history-will be part of the course: field-based and experiential education, inquiry, questioning, interpretation, physical settings, responsive instruction, program design,...
ENED 525 Environmental Issues & History
A study of current environmental issues facing society. Topics include ethics, citizenry, environmental justice, theological implications, and organizations addressing issues, with a strong focus on climate change (its mechanics, consequences, and strategies for adapting to and mitigating its effects). Students...
ENED 530 Leadership & Admin for Env Educ
This is a survey course on the essential skills and practices in leadership and administration of non-profit organizations. Topics include personnel management, strategic planning, personality styles, financial and resource management, budget preparation, board utilization, fundraising and capital campaign, day-to-day functioning...
ENED 535 Land Management for Env Education
This is a study of both the theory and practice of managing the “place” for various ecological functions and human values that enhance an environmental education experience. Includes how land management practices need to reflect the economic/social/spiritual values of humans,...
ENED 536 Land Management for EE II
Part two of this class. This is a study of both the theory and practice of managing the “place” for various ecological functions and human values that enhance an environmental education experience. Includes how land management practices need to reflect...
ENED 550 Faith, Peacemaking and Environment
Environmental quality and care for creation are emerging as important components to faith, peace and justice across the globe. Creation care builds on spiritual and theological foundations that inspire us to care for God’s creation. Environmental justice is the equitable...
ENED 560 Creative Project and Paper
Your project is intended to be driven by your passion and interest in a topic within one of following themes: a) an environmental issue b) an ecological problem, or c) pedagogical challenges. The Creative Project is just that: a look...
ENED 561 Creative Project and Paper II
Part two of your project is intended to be driven by your passion and interest in a topic within one of following themes: a) an environmental issue b) an ecological problem, or c) pedagogical challenges and possible solutions. The Creative...
ENED 562 Creative Project & Paper III
Part three of your project is intended to be driven by your passion and interest in a topic within one of following themes: a) an environmental issue b) an ecological problem, or c) pedagogical challenges and possible solutions. The Creative...
ENED 570 Professional Field Studies in EE
Through a variety of professional field visits across the year, both on Merry Lea and in the broader region, students will gain professional experience with environmental education in many contexts. Emphasis of the course will include developing professional connections, and...
ENED 575 Intercultural Environmental Educ
Recent iterations have been on the Big Island of Hawai’i, Andros Island (Bahamas), and on tribal lands in Arizona. This three-week, immersion style, cross-cultural experience is designed to learn about a new ecosystem and work with local professionals to design...
ENED 580 Practicum in Environmental Educ
Being part of the delivery of Merry Lea’s K-12 onsite and outreach programs in environmental education will fulfill the practicum in three major programming time blocks, giving students experience in multiple programs. Student will also have opportunities in specialty programs,...
ENED 581 Practicum in Environmental Ed II
Being part of the delivery of Merry Lea’s K-12 onsite and outreach programs in environmental education will fulfill the practicum in three major programming time blocks, giving students experience in multiple programs. Student will also have opportunities in specialty programs,...