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.
Pursue your passion with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Bronx Zoo 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 at the Bronx Zoo or other WCS facilities, you will connect with classmates, Miami University faculty, and WCS experts. AIP cohorts expand their networks, forging connections with community leaders locally, nationally, and globally.
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.
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Any questions? Wondering if AIP is the right fit for you and your career goals? Check out our frequently asked questions page for more details!
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 Bronx Zoo or other WCS facilities.
Students elect to enroll in either a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in the Biological Sciences or a Master of Arts (MA) in Biology from Miami University. Coursework for all candidates will take place online and experiential learning will happen in-person. Two-thirds of courses include experiential learning at our WCS parks across New York City.
WCS and the AIP
FOR OVER A CENTURY, THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES. EXPLORE THE AIP TO SEE HOW THE WCS VISION, EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES FIT YOUR AMBITIONS.
The application period for the Summer 2024 Cohort is now open through February 28, 2024 for a May 2024 start of the program.
Information sessions are aimed to introduce prospective students to the AIP experience with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Bronx Zoo as your AIP site. You will meet AIP staff, hear an overview of the program, and include a Q&A with current AIP students and alumni.
December Information Session (In-Person at Bronx Zoo) Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023 Time: 10:30AM - 12:30PM
January Information Session (Virtual) Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2023 Time: 5:30PM - 7:00PM
February Information Session (Virtual) Date: Thursday, February 1, 2023 Time: 7:00PM - 8:30PM
