Environmental Education (M.Ed.)
About Our Environmental Education Program
Inspire the next generation of environmental stewards whether you're a classroom teacher, park naturalist, or non-formal educator. Slippery Rock University’s M.Ed. in Environmental Education is designed for professionals with a passion for curriculum design, environmental literacy, and program planning across both formal and informal learning settings. The program blends foundational theory with hands-on strategies in environmental education, with a focus on inclusivity, instructional methods, assessment, and fostering environmental responsibility in diverse audiences.
Why Get an Environmental Education Degree?
- Learn on your schedule with 100% online classes built for working professionals.
- Balance your workload with a course rotation designed for busy teachers—one class in fall and spring, two in summer.
- Finish in just two years with a 30-credit program you can complete on a flexible timeline.
- Apply what you learn through coursework that blends theory, practice, and hands-on strategies in environmental and outdoor education.
- Learn from faculty who live it—your instructors bring real-world experience in environmental education to every course.
- Gain field experience through internship opportunities after completing 18 credits in the program.
Accredited. Respected. Proven.
SRU is now among a small number of colleges and universities in North America with NAAEE accreditation, which provides third-party, standards-based recognition of quality higher education programs that engage in the preparation and professional development of environmental educators. For accreditation to be awarded, a panel of NAAEE-trained environmental education professionals reviewed and approved a self-study audit submitted by applying institutions.
Career Outcomes
A Master of Education in Environmental Education prepares you for leadership roles where you can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. This degree is designed for both licensed teachers seeking to become science specialists and for professionals who want to lead educational programming in non-formal settings. Graduates are equipped to design, implement, and evaluate impactful environmental literacy programs for diverse audiences, making them competitive candidates for jobs in schools, parks, nature centers, and non-profit organizations. Common career paths for graduates include:
- Environmental Education Coordinator
- Park Naturalist or Interpretive Ranger
- K-12 Science Teacher or Curriculum Specialist
- Nature Center Director or Manager
- Zoo, Aquarium, or Museum Educator
- Outdoor Education Program Manager
- Sustainability Coordinator for a school district or organization
- Community Outreach Coordinator for environmental non-profits
After years as a Laboratory Coordinator at a college, I am now an adjunct Biology instructor as well. I feel like the M.Ed. in Environmental Education gave me the confidence and knowledge to be that environmental educator for incoming freshmen.
Student Alumni
Slippery Rock University
Requirements
What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!
Program Director / Coordinator
Graduate Coordinator
Dr. John Lisco
Parks and Conservation
724.738.2596
john.lisco@sru.edu
Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.
Admission to the program is open to anyone who meets the general admissions requirements for graduate study at Slippery Rock University with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit the following materials along with a completed online graduate application and non-refundable application fee:
- Official undergraduate degree transcript(s) and any graduate transcripts
- Personal Statement of Personal/Professional Career Goals
Please note: For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.
Resources from SRU
From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.
