A Master’s degree gained through the lens of inquiry that leads to meaningful conservation outcomes
APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2025 ARE NOW CLOSED
A one-of-a-kind master's program
Pursue Your Passion
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.
More Details
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.
Discover the unique AIP experience with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at the Bronx Zoo! Our information sessions provide an inside look at the program, featuring an overview from AIP staff and a Q&A with current students and alumni.
Next Info Sessions: Check back in September 2025 for details on our upcoming sessions. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to our Program Contacts with any questions.
Program Contacts
WCS/Bronx Zoo
Tara Chudoba, wcsaip@wcs.org, 718-741-1682
Manager of Professional Development, WCS Education
Miami University
Connie Malone, AIP_Masters@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-5103 Project Dragonfly, Department of Biology
Check out our interactive map!
Maximize your next trip to the zoo. Check out bronxzoo.com/today on your smartphone to view real-time info and our interactive map.
Need some direction? Access real-time info and our interactive map.
This spring, Bronx Zoo Dinosaur Safari returns and you will come face-to-gigantic-face with more than 60 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs and pterosaurs. Plus, climb a giant fossil, walk through a massive ribcage, and enjoy photo ops with dino eggs and so much more.
