Summer Semester begins June 3rd

Foundations of Inquiry Class - June 3-August 16
Face to Face Class time at Zoo - June 17-21
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Denver Zoo is excited to bring an opportunity for teachers and working professionals to further their higher education as well as become catalysts for global conservation and active stewards for Denver Zoo's mission. Denver Zoo has partnered with Miami University in Ohio to offer this unique academic opportunity for education professionals to earn a Master's degree in the zoo and conservation setting. AIP is based on the principle that education should extend beyond the classroom, and that students should make a difference--not just after graduation, but now, as a basic function of education itself. AIP Master's students practice the skills of investigation, critical reflection, leadership, and collaboration required to effectively address vital issues. AIP Master's candidates use inquiry not only as a tool for integrated learning, but as a powerful agent for student achievement, public engagement in science, and ecological stewardship.

What is AIP?
The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is a one-of-a-kind Master's Degree program for formal and informal educators who want to develop their inquiry-based teaching skills inside and outside the classroom while striving to affect positive social change in their local community. Co-delivered by Denver Zoo and Miami University's Project Dragonfly, AIP combines graduate courses at the Zoo with web-based learning communities that connect you to a broad network of educators and community leaders.

Eligibility
Enrollment is open to applicants with a Bachelor's degree regardless of academic major or profession. It is designed for teachers and other
professionals.

Degrees
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in the Biological Sciences*, designed for licensed K-12 teachers

Master of Arts (MA) in Zoology, for all non-licensed, informal educators

* The MAT degree does not confer a teaching certificate

Estimated Yearly Cost:
Year 1= $3,035; Year 2= $3,310; Year 3= $2,670

*costs are estimates and subject to change based on your specific schedule and increased course costs. These estimates include both Denver Zoo and Miami University's costs.

Brief Sample of Graduate Courses

What Makes the AIP Program so unique?
• By using Denver Zoo as your classroom, you will earn 21 credit hours at Denver Zoo or field sites around the Rocky Mountain region and 14 credit hours taken online through Miami University.

• This program is ideal for working adults who want to further their professional and personal growth but cannot commit to a full time academic schedule.

• This program is an affordable Master's degree with yearly expenses being approximately $3,000 per year for basic tuition and fees, much less than other Colorado institutions offering Master's programs. That cost savings represents an 85 percent reduction in costs compared to a typical Miami University degree for students who reside outside Ohio.

Program Contact information: mmaloy@denverzoo.org