Pursue your passion with the Detroit Zoological Society while you earn your master’s online from Miami University through the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP). Created for working professionals, the AIP is a one-of-a-kind master’s program that immerses students in collaborative inquiry and action as they champion change. Through web-based coursework from Miami and face-to-face experiential learning and field study at the Detroit Zoological Society, you will connect with classmates, Miami University faculty, Detroit Zoological Society experts, and community leaders locally, nationally, and globally.
The AIP is designed for students from a range of backgrounds and career stages. With professional and academic mentoring and self-designed Master Plans, students adapt their degree path to fit their interests in fields such as community-engaged conservation, inquiry-driven education, environmental justice, learning across K-12 and informal settings, animal care and welfare, green business innovation, climate change, urban ecology, human-nature relationships, environmental restoration, and public engagement in science.
An unprecedented network of premier public zoos and botanical gardens across the United States and conservation organizations worldwide have joined together to support the AIP. This extraordinary learning collaborative, the largest of its kind, fosters groundbreaking ideas, collaborations, professional connections, and study opportunities. AIP students have the option of integrating an Earth Expeditions field course at a global field site into their degree path. The AIP is overseen by Project Dragonfly, an education reform initiative located within the department of biology at Miami University.
Eligibility:
Enrollment is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree regardless of academic major or profession. Students should have internet access and be able to attend in-person experiential learning days at the Detroit Zoological Society. For more information, visit Miami University’s AIP overview page.
Details:
Students can enroll in either a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in the biological sciences for formal K-12 teachers or a Master of Arts (MA) in biology for all other professionals. The MAT does not confer a teaching license. All courses are delivered online by a Miami University instructor. Two-thirds of AIP courses also include experiential learning on grounds at Detroit Zoological Society and in and around the Metro Detroit area. Miami University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Detroit Zoological Society looks forward to supporting you through the AIP.
Pursue your passion with the Detroit Zoological Society while you earn your master’s online from Miami University through the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP).
Created for working professionals, the AIP is a one-of-a-kind master’s program that immerses students in collaborative inquiry and action as they champion change. Through web-based coursework from Miami and face-to-face experiential learning and field study at the Detroit Zoological Society, you will connect with classmates, Miami University faculty, Detroit Zoological Society experts, and community leaders locally, nationally, and globally.
The AIP is designed for students from a range of backgrounds and career stages. With professional and academic mentoring and self-designed Master Plans, students adapt their degree path to fit their interests in fields such as community-engaged conservation, inquiry-driven education, environmental justice, learning across K-12 and informal settings, animal care and welfare, green business innovation, climate change, urban ecology, human-nature relationships, environmental restoration, and public engagement in science.
An unprecedented network of premier public zoos and botanical gardens across the United States and conservation organizations worldwide have joined together to support the AIP. This extraordinary learning collaborative, the largest of its kind, fosters groundbreaking ideas, collaborations, professional connections, and study opportunities. AIP students have the option of integrating an Earth Expeditions field course at a global field site into their degree path. The AIP is overseen by Project Dragonfly, an education reform initiative located within the department of biology at Miami University.
Detroit Zoo AIP Student Testimonials
Kate Bell
2023 Detroit Zoo AIP Cohort
“Exploring the unique and wonderful efforts associated with a Master Plan as well as this Advanced Inquiry Program, the outcomes of important work will be achieved.”
Taylor Mock
2023 Detroit Zoo AIP Cohort
“The Advanced Inquiry Program at the Detroit Zoo continues to offer life-changing opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth. The AIP program has empowered me to be a positive vector for environmental welfare in my community, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
Detroit Zoo AIP Advisor Information
Cameron Kniffen-Frost, M.A.
Curator of Education
Detroit Zoo AIP Advisor Information
Education Cameron is an alumna of the Project Dragonfly Global Field Program, an instructor for the Detroit Zoo AIP program, and a Community Learning Leader for Belize Earth Expeditions. She is passionate about aquaculture, marine ecology, climate change, community conservation, and having a good laugh.
Claire Lannoye-Hall, Ph.D.
Director of Education
Claire is an alumna of the Project Dragonfly Global Field Program and the AIP advisor for the Detroit Zoo AIP program. In addition to holding a Master of Arts in Teaching from Miami University, Claire has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Texas Tech University. She loves frogs, the rainforest, and her beautiful family.
Who Can Apply & Program Details
Eligibility:
Enrollment is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree regardless of academic major or profession. Students should have internet access and be able to attend in-person experiential learning days at the Detroit Zoological Society. For more information, visit Miami University’s AIP overview page.
Details:
Students can enroll in either a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in the biological sciences for formal K-12 teachers or a Master of Arts (MA) in biology for all other professionals. The MAT does not confer a teaching license. All courses are delivered online by a Miami University instructor. Two-thirds of AIP courses also include experiential learning on grounds at Detroit Zoological Society and in and around the Metro Detroit area. Miami University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Detroit Zoological Society looks forward to supporting you through the AIP.
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