Complete 14–18 credits from the following courses:

• BI 513 - Physiological Ecology of Animals 5 credits
• BI 514 - Advanced Animal Physiology 5 credits
• BI 515 - Mammalogy 4 credits
• BI 533 - Plant Systematics 4 credits
• BI 534 - Plant Form and Function 5 credits
• BI 538 - Conservation Biology 3 credits
• BI 544 - Vascular Plant Identification and Field Botany 3 credits
• BI 550 - Fish and Fisheries 4 credits
• BI 554 - Plant Ecology 4 credits
• BI 566 - Biology of Insects 3 credits
• BI 570 - Herpetology 4 credits
• BI 571 - Ornithology 4 credits
• BI 575 - Aquatic Ecology 4 credits
• BI 580 - Animal Behavior 4 credits
• Other appropriate graduate coursework from other sciences or Environmental Studies approved by program director.

Select 0–4 credits from outside the sciences

(examples of potential courses include the following, although other courses may be used subject to advisor approval):

• COMM 548 - Mediation and Conflict Management 4 credits
• COMM 555 - Conflict Resolution 4 credits
• GEOG 551 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 5 credits
• PE 548 - Leadership and Management 3 credits
• PSY 538 - Group Dynamics 4 credits

1.

Completion of the required coursework (including four approved elective science courses at the graduate level and one course from outside the sciences or three approved elective science courses at the graduate level and two courses from outside the sciences if pursuing teacher licensure at the middle school/high school level). Students must achieve a grade of B or better in all courses. SOU permits up to 15 credits of graduate-level courses (quarter hours or their equivalent) to be transferred into the program with advisor approval.

2.

Successful completion of the exit interviews regarding leadership and teaching in environmental education. The 30-40 minute interviews are conducted with two or more faculty members or instructors following the culminating field educational program delivered by the students (Fall in the Field) using the published scoring guides.

3.

Completion of a 20-30 minute presentation of an original environmental education lesson to program faculty and instructors. The lesson will be evaluated for effectiveness, creativity, pedagogy, and knowledge of natural history.

or

Completion of a thesis or project. Students must apply for this completion option by the end of the second quarter of coursework at SOU with the Program Director and have secured an advisor at the time of application. Students conducting research in the field of environmental education complete a thesis while those producing a product complete a project. The thesis or project substitutes for one of the science electives.

The student must also complete an oral examination which is attended by the student’s Evaluation Committee which consists of a minimum of three Graduate Faculty at least two of which are from the Biology Department) and an additional member from the Graduate Faculty. The fourth member is present to assure the student is treated fairly and that the standards of SOU are upheld. The oral examination typically takes one-and-a-half hours. It is the responsibility of the student to coordinate a time and place for the examination.
 

1.

Teacher licensure. Students may apply for the dual Environmental Education master’s degree/Oregon Initial teacher license. Licensure is available at either the middle/high school level (3/4) or the upper elementary/middle school level (2/3). At the 3/4 level students may seek endorsements in either Integrated Science or Biology and must meet the prerequisite coursework before beginning student teaching. Students seeking licensure at the 2/3 level must meet course prerequisites for that program. Refer to the Education department webpage for a list of the course prerequisites for each program. Teacher licensure requires coursework and student teaching in addition to the requirements for the Environmental Education degree though less than if pursuing both the degree and licensure separately.

2.

Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CNPM). For those intending to work with a non-profit organization or initiate their own program, the CNPM provides vital skills and experiences. The CNPM may be earned with only 18 credits in addition to those required by the Environmental Education master’s program. Refer to the Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CNPM)  section of the catalog for a complete description of the program.