Antioch University Seattle and IslandWood Team Up to Offer New Graduate Degree Concentration
MAEd in Urban Environmental Education to Launch July 2015
Seattle, WA –In response to the growing demand for trained leaders to create healthy urban communities, Antioch University Seattle (AUS) and IslandWood, a nationally-recognized outdoor learning center based on Bainbridge Island, have teamed up to offer a ground-breaking new graduate degree concentration – the MAEd (Master of Arts in Education) In Urban Environmental Education.
This full-time, 48-credit, five quarter program prepares participants to be the highly skilled educators and leaders needed to create thriving, sustainable urban environments. The program will launch in July 2015 with an inaugural cohort of 12 students.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Antioch University Seattle to offer this exciting new concentration,” said Ben Klasky, IslandWood’s President and CEO. “We’re preparing people to lead the way in addressing the environmental, social and cultural issues that confront urban areas now and in the future.”
The U.S. Census reports that within five years, 80 percent of the US population will live in cities. The Urban Environmental Education program, which focuses on inner city communities, prepares graduates for careers as educators in urban planning and design with community organizations, and in civic engagement and policy.
Students will be immersed in cohorts, enjoy a low student-faculty ratio and receive extensive mentoring and advising. Requirements include successful completion of 16 graduate courses over the 15 month period, and a year-long practicum in schools and community organizations that provide affordable housing, access to healthy food, health services, public utilities and civic government.
Dr. Kelly Vancil, Dean of the School of Education at Antioch University Seattle, says that by offering the new concentration with IslandWood, AUS continues its long tradition of excellence in teaching and learning, commitment to social engagement and building and serving inclusive communities.
“Now more than ever, more people are living in urban settings, and with that comes special challenges that must be recognized and addressed in order to foster a healthy urban community,” he said. “We’re proud to collaborate with IslandWood to provide the next generation of innovative leaders in education and environmental justice.”
CJ Goulding will be a member of the inaugural class of the Urban Environmental Education Program.
“I am excited about the opportunity to grow as a leader,” said Goulding, who has been working to connect young people to the outdoors through his role with the National Parks Service.” This program offers direct connection to people and the places they live, empowering communities to grow and develop from the inside out.”
A limited number of scholarships are available on a rolling basis, as is financial assistance.
About Antioch University Seattle
Antioch University Seattle is a fully accredited, not for profit institution that is a bold and enduring source of innovation in higher education. Antioch University provides real world knowledge, skills, and experience to adult students online and from its five campuses in four states, in addition to its University-wide international and doctoral programs. The University lives by its mission every day helping students realize their potential and succeed in their educational goals through an innovative learning environment that is rigorous and responsive to their needs. Antioch University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1927.
About IslandWood
IslandWood is a nationally recognized outdoor learning center that connects thousands of children and adults every year to the natural world in communities throughout the Puget Sound region. IslandWood offers programs for Seattle-area schools; graduate programming for aspiring educators; conference programs for nonprofits and corporations; and camps and community programs for families. Learn more: islandwood.org
Learn more about our MAEd in Urban Environmental Education program.
