Program Structure

Combining the best of short residencies and innovative web-based instruction, the MA in Environmental Education and Communication program allows both busy working professionals and those just beginning their careers to get the most out of their academic experience. This combination of learning experiences allows students to benefit from the intensity of the program while still being able to meet the demands of family and workplace.

Over 24 months, MA participants have two three-week and a final one-week residency. The first residency introduces the cohort of students to each other, the faculty, and the RRU style of education. The middle residency may have a more directed field-based orientation. The final residency allows completing students to present their thesis findings to the larger environmental education and RRU community.

Participants in the MA program take 12 courses (42 credits) including the thesis course. Six courses are taken on-campus, and five are delivered at a distance through Internet-based technologies.

Certificate students take the first three courses in the schedule for a total of 9 credits. Diploma students take the first nine courses for a total of 24 credits.

We will utilize a range of educational methodologies, including case studies, field studies, cultural studies, team projects, lectures and seminar discussions, and online modules. RRU has become a leader in the delivery of web-based interactive distance education courses, and these will be of great value during non-residential periods.