Graduate Programs
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Humane Education website at http://humaneeducation.org/graduate-programs/
Learn how to turn your compassion and convictions into action through education.
IHE’s online graduate programs are designed to give you the skills you need to integrate humane education deeply into your teaching, work, life, community, and the world.
“I enrolled in the M.Ed. program and started on what was to be some of the most transformative and beautiful learning I had ever undertaken. So many of us long to be a part of creating a better world but we don’t know how to do this; IHE showed me that each of us has a unique set of skills and talents to share with the world, and that we can be humane educators wherever we are in life.”
~ Holly Clark, M.Ed. graduate, college professor “My studies at IHE have had an enormous impact on my life. I’m now a Humane Education Specialist. I do everything from reverence building activities with 2-year-olds to giving Eco Impact presentations. What an amazing opportunity! I’m filled with tremendous hope for the future.”
~ Lisa Forzley, M.Ed. graduate, Humane Education Specialist, Detroit Zoological Society
~ Holly Clark, M.Ed. graduate, college professor “My studies at IHE have had an enormous impact on my life. I’m now a Humane Education Specialist. I do everything from reverence building activities with 2-year-olds to giving Eco Impact presentations. What an amazing opportunity! I’m filled with tremendous hope for the future.”
~ Lisa Forzley, M.Ed. graduate, Humane Education Specialist, Detroit Zoological Society
About the Graduate Programs
IHE’s premiere graduate level programs in humane education are fully accredited and offered through an affiliation with Valparaiso University. These are the only graduate programs in comprehensive humane education in North America. Our graduate programs include both degree and certificate programs and are offered in an online format, which allows students from around the world to participate and collaborate. In addition, students in the M.Ed. and M.A. programs attend a week-long residency in humane education, held at IHE’s ocean-front campus in Surry, Maine. Our faculty are pioneers in the field of humane education and experienced educators and mentors.
Deadlines to apply:
For Fall 2013: August 15
Programs Offered
There are five online programs currently offered:
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Humane Education (33 credits)
Our M.Ed. program is designed for classroom educators at all levels who wish to work within school settings. - Master of Arts (M.A.) in Humane Education (33 credits)
Our M.A. program is designed for educators who wish to work outside of school settings through community work, educational outreach, the arts, and in various professions. - Concentration in Humane Education for the M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership
Our M.Ed in Instructional Leadership is designed for licensed/certified teachers who wish to integrate humane education into their current teaching practice. - Concentration in Humane Education for the M.A. in Liberal Studies degree
Our MALS is designed for students who wish to focus their learning on the five core courses in humane education as part of a liberal studies curriculum of their own design. - Graduate Certificate in Humane Education (either stand-alone or added to an existing degree) (15 credits)
Our Graduate Certificate is offered to students who wish to add a 15-credit certificate in Humane Education to their existing credentials (most graduate certificate students already have a masters degree).
Humane Education Core Courses
The humane education core courses are essential to all programs and include:
- Introduction to Humane Education
- Environmental Ethics
- Animal Protection
- Human Rights
- Culture and Change
Students who are interested in taking a single humane education graduate course can apply as “non-degree graduate students.” For details, please contact IHE Director of Education, Mary Pat Champeau (marypat@humaneeducation.org).
Humane Education Residency
A one-week residency is required for the M.Ed. and M.A. programs. It takes place at IHE’s campus, situated on 28 beautiful oceanfront acres overlooking the mountains of Acadia National Park. This hands-on experience is a very popular part of the program.
Master’s Thesis
A Master’s Thesis is also a required of students in the M.Ed and M.A. programs. This thesis represents not only the culmination of the student’s studies, but also a creative, professional, and/or research-based contribution to the field of humane education. The topic must be professionally and socially relevant, challenging, and appropriate for the student’s vision. In the project the student demonstrates the ability to integrate theory, research skills, academic course work, professional experience and goals. Here are a few sample student thesis projects.
More Details and How to Apply
Click here for tuition, course descriptions, admissions info and to apply.
Download a copy of the 2013-2014 Academic Calendar. (pdf)
Become Part of a Humane Education Community
As a student of the Institute for Humane Education, you also become part of a vibrant community. IHE is a hub for humane educators to gather, share, network, and collaborate. You will find a wealth of information on how to bring the positive impact of humane education into your life, work, communication, and actions—to create healthy, long-lasting change for all people, animals, and the earth. Through our website Resource Center, Facebook page, Twitter feed, blog and more, you’ll connect with humane educators and concerned citizens across the globe.
Download a copy of our flyer to share. (pdf)
For More Information
To find out more or to discuss the programs, please email Mary Pat Champeau, Director of Education.