Program Overview:
The M.Ed. in Humane Education is recommended for experienced educators and classroom teachers who work in public, private, and independent K-12 schools, as well as in early childhood programs, higher education, and professional training or educational outreach environments.
The M.Ed. coursework helps educators build relevance, excitement, awareness, and compassion into their teaching practice. Teachers learn to present intersectional content related to environmental preservation, animal protection, and social justice in age-appropriate ways. There is a strong focus on critical, systems, strategic, and creative thinking.
This 33-credit graduate program is delivered online, with an optional one-week, 3-credit Humane Education Residency held at the Institute for Humane Education in Surry, Maine.
M.Ed. students are required to take six foundational courses in humane education, plus practicum, two electives, and a capstone course. They are strongly encouraged to attend the Humane Education Residency. If they are unable to attend, students may take a third elective instead.
Please note this M.Ed. degree does not lead to state licensure.
M.Ed. Career Outlook:
An M.Ed. degree is a highly-valued credential in most educational settings. In many states and localities, it confers a salary increase for public school teachers. For both public school teachers and teachers working in private, independent, or alternative schools, an M.Ed. degree conveys advanced learning, expertise in teaching, and a commitment to the field. There are numerous jobs in education that require a master’s degree in order to apply. Our M.Ed. degree with Antioch University New England not only helps advance one’s career in education but also prepares teachers to lead social justice initiatives in school settings.

“IHE opened my eyes to a new focus for educating our children; one that is built on love for ourselves, for each other, for our planet, and for all those with whom we share this earth. I use my IHE experience every single day, and it has been such a valuable asset for me in my work.”
JJ Morrissey, M.Ed. in Humane Education, Head of Upper and Middle School at Poughkeepsie Day School in Poughkeepsie, NY
Sequence:
Foundational Courses
– Introduction to Humane Education
– Environmental Ethics
– Animal Protection
– Human Rights
– Culture and Change
Required M.Ed. Course
– Solutionary Classroom: Pedagogy in Practice
Additional Courses
– Practicum
– Humane Education Residency
– Elective #1
– Elective #2
– Capstone
Current electives include:
– Writing for Social Change
– Creative Activism
– Just Good Food
– Race, Intersectionality, and Veganism
– Building a Solutionary Practice
Course descriptions can be found here.
Tuition: $732 per credit hour + $125/semester student service fee
Total tuition: $24,213
Please see Tuition and Admission for more information.
Admissions Requirements: an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, $50 application fee.