Graduate Program FAQ

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you do not see an answer or would like more information, let us know: at marypat@HumaneEducation.org

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Yes. IHE's graduate programs in humane education are offered through a partnership between IHE and Antioch University which is a fully accredited university in New Hampshire and part of the Antioch University system.

No. Each state has its own regulations and requirements for licensure. If you are interested in becoming licensed to teach in your state’s public school system, you must contact the department of education in your state to find out what the requirements and criteria for licensure are. Antioch New England offers an M.Ed. program that leads to teacher certification. More information can be found here.

Yes. As an online student, we will help you receive a student ID and gain access to services such as access to the university library and career services, writing center, IT help, financial aid counselors and accommodation support.

Yes, Antioch will accept transfer students and credits. Please contact Mary Pat Champeau, IHE Director of Graduate Programs: marypat@humaneeducation.org for details.

In any given semester, there are approximately 35-50 students in the humane education graduate programs.

IHE’s graduate programs in humane education have been offered since 2000 — first through a partnership with Cambridge College (2000-2010) and then through Valparaiso University (2011-2019). In addition, IHE and Valparaiso University partnered with Saybrook University to offer a Ph.D. program with a humane education specialization in 2014. Our current university partner (as of January 2020) is Antioch University New England.

Comprehensive humane education is a relatively new field. We work with each student to determine professional goals and plan practicum, elective, and capstone work to support these goals.

Graduates work in many different arenas, including education, the arts, business, technology, non-profit management and outreach, health and human services, animal protection, environmental preservation, and social entrepreneurship.

Yes, as long as you have the equivalent of an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree.

All degree programs in humane education share five foundational courses:

  • Introduction to Humane Education
  • Environmental Ethics
  • Animal Protection
  • Human Rights
  • Culture & Change

Assignments and readings within the courses are differentiated. The M.Ed. program is designed for classroom educators; other programs are designed for non-classroom educators. Program and course descriptions are available here.

Courses are rigorous. Students are encouraged to take no more than two courses per semester (6 credits), though you may take up to 3 courses (9 credits) if you wish.

No, although students are welcome to visit, participate in commencement ceremonies, and attend other activities offered on any Antioch campus.

Students come into the program with varying levels of experience with technology. Beginning with your first course, there is plenty of support available for those who’ve never participated in online studies. Contact the IHE Director of Graduate Programs if you have any difficulty with the online delivery system. The courses are set up to be very user-friendly.

Community is very important to us. We have designed the courses to include many opportunities for communication and collaboration among students. For example, in each course, students have a chance to get to know their classmates through personal introductions, discussion boards, video conferencing, a virtual student lounge and optional collaborative projects.

No. Courses are delivered via SAKAI, Antioch’s online Learning Management System. Students receive their course syllabi at the start of each semester, along with instructions on how to access the discussion boards, participate in video salons, post responses to film festivals, and submit assignments. Real-time video discussions are scheduled based on students’ availability.

Yes, with the exception of a one-week, 3-credit Humane Education Residency that is not required, but is highly encouraged!

Tuition for the master's and certificate programs: $732 per credit.

Tuition for the Ed.D. program: $925 per credit.

Please see more information here.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university (in any subject) and must be willing to provide two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose essay (500-750 words). International students must demonstrate a working knowledge of English. The admissions process includes a telephone or video interview with Mary Pat Champeau, IHE Director of Graduate Programs.

In certain cases, Antioch University does not require an applicant to have completed an undergraduate degree. Information can be found here.

Ed.D. admissions requirements can be found here.

Please contact the IHE Director of Graduate Programs, Mary Pat Champeau at marypat@humaneeducation.org or call her direct line at (207) 667-1172.