Advanced Inquiry Program

A Master’s degree gained through the lens of inquiry that leads to meaningful conservation outcomes

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2024

LEARN MORE AT OUR NEXT INFO SESSION



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.

I'm interested!

Ignite Social & Ecological Change

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more at our info sessions

Eligibility

Eligibility

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.

Course Info

Degree Info

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 both online and in-person. Two-thirds of courses include experiential learning at our WCS parks across New York City.

Our WCS Program

FOR OVER A CENTURY, THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES. EXPLORE OUR PROGRAM TO SEE HOW OUR VISION, EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES FIT YOUR AMBITIONS.

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Alumni Spotlights

Our students join us from a diverse range of professions and backgrounds. Meet two of our amazing graduates.

WENDY BOSCO ('21)

MA Biology
Science Teacher, Connecticut

DANNY DIMARINO ('22)

MAT Biological Sciences
Parks Professional, Environmental Educator, New York

Current Students

WCS AIP students, look here for important dates and deadlines along with current and upcoming W+ course details.

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Information Sessions

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.

  • November Information Session (Virtual)
    Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
    Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
  • 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

RSVP to any of our information sessions here


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.

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Need some direction? Get park maps, real-time info, and more with our new app.

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