AIP Master's Advanced Inquiry Program

Details

First-of-its-Kind Master's Program

Join a groundbreaking national degree program that combines web-based coursework from Miami University with experiential learning at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) from Miami's Project Dragonfly is an inquiry-driven online learning experience allowing participants to take web-based graduate courses from Miami University faculty with face-to-face experiential learning opportunities with experts at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The option to earn seven credits from international travel is another exciting part of the program. And the best news of all — it's affordable!

Eligibility

Enrollment is open to applicants with a Bachelor's degree regardless of academic major or profession. 

Degrees

Applicants elect to enroll in either a Master of Arts in Teaching in Biological Sciences (MAT, designed for certified teachers) or a Master of Arts in Biology (designed for all other professionals) from Miami University. MA and MAT candidates go through the AIP together. Note: The MAT program does not confer a teaching license or certification. 

Non-degree seeking students: Web+ courses are available for Miami University graduate credit to non-degree seeking students through Miami's Continuing Graduate Studies program. If interested in this option, please contact davisomj@miamioh.edu

Curriculum

All AIP courses are delivered online by a Miami University instructor. Two-thirds of AIP courses also include up to five days (or equivalent) per course of experiential learning on the grounds of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo through unique Web+ courses.

The AIP curriculum provides real-world experiences that also advance district, state, and national educational standards. AIP Master's candidates use inquiry not only as a tool for integrated learning, but as a powerful agent for student achievement, public engagement, and ecological stewardship. Participants develop a portfolio that can be adapted to National Board Certification.

EXAMPLE COURSE OF STUDY

Requirements

Participants earn 35 total credit hours in this web-based Master's program: 21 credit hours of AIP W+ courses that combine web-based instruction with experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo plus 14 credit hours of AIP Core Courses that occur fully on the web. Students also complete a Master's portfolio. Up to 7 credit hours from an Earth Expeditions global field course (www.earthexpeditions.org) may count toward the degree. The AIP can be completed in 2.5 years taking classes part-time while working.

Dates/Times

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Application Deadline for all degree seeking applicants: February 28

Applications open in early September each year for entry the following summer.  To stay updated, complete the "I'm Interested" form on the Apply page.

AIP/GRADUATE COURSES

If you are interested in taking any of these classes without enrolling in the AIP Master's program, you can still register and earn graduate credit through Miami University. 

• Summer Semester Registration: March 1 - 31
• Fall Semester Registration: July 1 - 28
• Spring Semester Registration: November 1 - 30

Course Information

Foundations of Inquiry 
Online Dates: May 18 - August 7, 2021
In-Person Dates: June 14-18, 2021

Discover the world around you by making observations, asking questions and putting your predictions to the test. This class explores the use of inquiry and inquiry-based learning. Participants will not only learn the art of creating comparative questions and designing simple tests to find answers, but will also learn how to apply these skills for use in their classrooms or communities to create change and become local leaders. 

AIP Year 1 Required Course
3 credit hours
Summer: Online Miami course with five days of experiential learning at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)

Course Themes:

• Conduct a simple inquiry in small groups to review the importance of observation
• Assess audiences before beginning an inquiry as step one in the inquiry cycle
• Conduct an inquiry that focuses on critical thinking skills and how an instructor's language promotes critical thinking
• Understand the importance of interdisciplinary teaching and learning in science, math, literacy, and the arts
• Facilitate the steps of the inquiry process in their classroom or community, leading to the final step: forming new questions for investigation

Zoo Expeditions: Primate Behavior and Conservation 
Online Dates: May 19- August 7, 2021
In-Person Dates: June 7-9 and July 12-13, 2021

Participants investigate conservation and behavior through direct observation of primates at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Opportunities for comparative study range from exploring social structure to communication or exhibit design. This course will provide a foundation for understanding research methods and conservation issues. We will also examine how course topics can be applied and adapted to teaching in local educational settings.

3 credit hours
Fall: Online Miami course with five days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)

Course Themes:

• Classification of natural history of primates
• Primate conservation
• Design and methods of behavioral studies
• Curricular development and educational leadership
• Inquiry-based learning

Ecophysiology:  Biomimicry 
Online Dates: May 18 - August 7, 2021
In-Person Dates: June 24-25 and July 19-21, 2021

How could a butterfly inspire your next design? Humans and wildlife both face the same environmental challenges, but nature adapts to its situations in sustainable ways. Participants in this course will explore the ways in which humans can (and do) emulate systems and designs found in nature. Students will fine tune their observation skills and complete a design challenge using nature as their guide.

3 credit hours
Summer: Online Miami course with five days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)

Course Themes:

• Inquiry-based learning
• Conduct an inquiry-driven design challenge based on the use of biomimetics
• Further develop observation skills
• Think critically and scientifically about the ways in which nature can offer sustainable solutions to environmental problems

Master Plan in Action
Online Dates: January 24 - May 7, 2022
In-Person Dates: TBD 

*This course is available only to full AIP Master's students.

In this course, participants will perform a large body of work towards their Master Plan. Although the course is self-directed, students will meet four times for morning peer review sessions to discuss their progress and offer advice and assistance with each other’s design and data analysis.

AIP Year 1 Required Course
3 credit hours
Spring: Online Miami course with three Saturdays of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
 

Course Themes:

• Develop a timeline for completion of the Master Plan, including inquiry projects, Leadership Challenges and e-Portfolio.
• Begin developing a cohesive body of work for inclusion in e-Portfolio, potentially design and implement side projects to enhance the overall quality of their Master Plan project(s).
• Apply an understanding of experimental design and data analysis
• Critical peer review
• Critical examination of research methodologies from published studies

Human Dimensions of Conservation
Online Dates: August 23 - December 4, 2021
In-Person Dates: September 11-12 and October 16-17, 2021

Conserving wildlife is a complex endeavor that requires the integration of sound science from both the social and natural sciences. This course will explore how the social sciences can inform conservation. A growing field of study that draws from several of the social sciences is human dimensions of wildlife. This course will examine how human dimensions emerged as a field of scientific inquiry and why it is important. It will provide an overview of the social science concepts and methods that are the foundation of human dimensions. Students will consider how current conservation issues can be addressed through an understanding of human thought and action. Students will use the human dimensions approach to address a current conservation issue and by the conclusion of the course, they will be able to identify tools, frameworks, and concepts that can be used to influence human behavior to effectively conserve wildlife.
 

AIP Year 1 Required Course
3 credit hours
Summer: Online Miami course with four days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)

Course Themes:

• Support the role and importance of human dimensions research and application in wildlife conservation.
• Interpret the foundational social science concepts and theories of human dimensions of wildlife conservation.
• Assess natural resource issues from varying stakeholder perspectives.
• Develop a framework for stakeholder engagement process to help drive conservation planning
• Interpret diverse conservation issues and justify human dimensions science applications.
• Engage in reflective and evaluative peer review in face-to-face environments and on the web to provide colleagues with personal insight, new perspectives or analyses, ideas for useful applications, and connections to other research and projects.

Project Design and Assessment
Online Dates: August 23 - December 4, 2021
In-Person Dates: September 26, October 24, and November 14, 2021

Participants in this course work to take their scientific study design skills to the next level. Explore statistical thinking and how to construct successful studies in natural and social science. Participants will conduct studies of their own design and, in doing so, engage in different ways researchers and others collect and analyze data.

3 credit hours
Fall: Online Miami course with three days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo  
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)

Course Themes:

• Engage with each other to interpret introductory statistical theory and assess statistical tests for their usefulness given different experimental models in a hypothesis testing format.
• Design, conduct, and analyze a research project using appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Evaluate, choose, and justify statistical tests based on sound experimental design.
• Propose appropriate assessment techniques for a diversity of natural science and social science projects.
• Engage the differences between qualitative and quantitative data collection efforts, and reflect on the appropriate analyses for a study question.

Environmental Stewardship in my Community
Online Dates: January 24 - May 7, 2022
In-Person Dates: TBD

Participants investigate environmental stewardship, research science and conservation opportunities and solutions in their local communities, practice inquiry-based learning, develop a conservation project with their community or classroom, and reflect on ecological footprints. At the end of this course, participants will have a solid understanding of community-based conservation, with a particular emphasis on current issues facing local habitats in the communities where they live. Students will also explore and begin to design stewardship strategies for empowering their own community members to generate solutions and take action.

3 credit hours
Spring: Online Miami course with four days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo  
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)

Course Themes:

• Interpret the life sciences through conservation issues and current research being conducted in local communities to understand the causes and impacts; critically analyze solutions to these issues.
• Explore and apply the principles of sustainability and community-based conservation.
• Design strategies for engaging community members or students in local conservation action.
• Assess human demand on the planet’s ecosystems by exploring ecological impacts and formulate ideas for increasing and supporting sustainability within communities.

Cost

Estimated Costs

Miami offers substantially reduced tuition for AIP courses. Cost for this Master's is about $6,010 per year, roughly 30% less than full Miami in-state tuition. AIP Master Institutions may also charge individual fees, which vary by course and by institution. Click here for more information.  Prices are subject to annual budget approval and are subject to change.

Annual Cost Estimate

For information about costs, please see Miami's AIP Costs page or call Marcia Nantz at 513.529.1962. 

Tuition

Under the current financial model, candidates who enroll this year will save more than $12,000 (in-state)/$24,000 (out-of-state) in tuition for the degree.

Offsetting Costs

With tuition reduced as part of Miami University's support for this program, each AIP course is offered at a fraction of actual costs. Applicants to the program should check with their school district or employer to see if professional development funds are available to further offset costs. Additional tips for grants can be found on the AIP grant tips page.

FAQ

For additional information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.