WCS and the AIP
WCS/Bronx Zoo is one of a select group of AIP sites in the United States. The AIP is an online master’s degree created by Project Dragonfly, which is located in the Biology Department at Miami University. A state university in Oxford, Ohio, Miami was established in 1809 and is listed as one of the eight original Public Ivies. The university has a long and distinguished record of excellence in research and teaching in science and education.
Degrees & Delivery
Applicants 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. MA and MAT candidates go through the AIP together.
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 and field study opportunities on grounds at the Bronx Zoo, other WCS parks, or at sites across the greater NYC area.
This program is designed for working professionals. All W+ experiential learning on-site is conducted weekday evenings or on the weekends. Coursework can be completed in as little at 2 1/2 years, or the program can be extended up to 5 years to accommodate personal and professional obligations.
Note: The MAT program does not confer a teaching license or certification.
Courses & Credits
AIP Master's students complete at least 35 credits: 21 from Web+ (W+) courses, which blend web-based instruction with experiential learning at WCS facilities and NYC-area locations, and 14 from online Core Courses.
The WCS AIP program includes 7 credits of required W+ courses over three consecutive summers:
Foundations of Inquiry
Master Plan in Action
Environmental Stewardship in My Community
Students can choose the remaining 14 W+ credits from a suite of elective courses that meet their interests and Master Plan goals. Recent and upcoming electives include Animal Behavior & Conservation, Urban Ecology, and Conservation Psychology.
For more details, download the WCS W+ Course Catalog.
Earth Expeditions
Students have the opportunity to experience international field work by participating in an optional Earth Expedition (EE) in locations such as Brazil, the Galapagos, Thailand, India and Kenya. Upon application and acceptance, AIP students engage in the Earth Expeditions course that aligns with and elevates their Master Plan goals. An EE taken during WCS students' second summer replaces 5 elective W+ courses that include experiential learning with WCS.
Sample Scope & Sequence
Meet the AIP Team
Director of Professional Development
Dave Johnston
Manager of Professional Development
Tara Chudoba
Manager of Professional Development
Anine Booth
Manager of Professional Development
Becky Higgins
Coordinator of Professional Development
Shannen Rivadeneira
Estimated Cost
Miami University offers substantially reduced tuition for all AIP courses and waives all out of state tuition fees. The entire degree can be completed for as little as $18,550. Course costs are subject to change.
Download an estimated tuition breakdown here.
For more information about the WCS-AIP program please email: wcsaip@wcs.org