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Now more than ever, we need to invite everyone in society, of all ages, to be part of the solution. As environmental communicators and educators, we inspire others and translate the issues of today in order to engage in transformative, sustainable practices across all sectors of society. The Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication program will empower you, and give you the depth and insight to lead and motivate others in developing a sustainable, environmentally sound society.
Outcomes
Develop a solid understanding of systems thinking and how to engage diverse audiences. Create inspirational communication strategies and educational programming. Drawing on learning theory, psychology, educational program development, and other key learning areas, you will develop understanding of environment and sustainability in order to educate and communicate to positively inspire others.
Graduates return to their career with a range of theoretical knowledge and analytical and communications skills and competencies. Graduates have the skills and knowledge to develop and implement innovative programs to provide students, clients and other audiences with science-based information, psychologically-sound strategies, and culturally-appropriate, philosophically-nuanced and educationally-sophisticated approaches to current environmental issues.
Graduates will be able to:
* Develop and implement programs to provide students, clients and other audiences with up-to-date, reputable scientific and technological information, as well as traditional knowledge, about current environmental issues and opportunities
* Apply the best current knowledge of learning and cognition to the design, development, and implementation of programs about environmental education and communication
* Design, develop and implement environmental communications and education programs using a range of formats and incorporating relevant current technologies and media
* Evaluate the status of public information and prior knowledge concerning environmental values, issues and opportunities
* Possess a sophisticated awareness of the range of perspectives (e.g., attitudes, beliefs, values) towards the environment and human activity in the environment
* Evaluate environmental information and education programs
* Develop and implement strategies to foster conflict resolution, constructive dialogue and community knowledge construction concerning environmental issues
* Develop approaches to nurture effective and responsible environmental actions on the part of corporations, governmental and non-governmental organizations and citizens' coalitions
* Provide up to date information about innovations in environmental communication and education
* Possess a sophisticated awareness of the nature of contemporary human-environment issues and their implications for education and communications programs
* Develop a systems perspective on problems in environmental education and communications
* Develop an understanding of environmental education and communication functions within organizational contexts.
Courses
* EECO500: Developing Environmental Understanding
* EECO503: Foundations for Environmental Communication
* EECO504: Systems Perspectives
* EECO508: Learning Theory and Program Design
* EECO509: Psychological Dimensions of Environmental Education and Communication
* EECO510: Worldviews, Ethics, and the Environment
* EECO586: The Biosphere and Sustainability
* EECO620: Approaches to Research in Environmental Education and Communication
* EECO680: Leadership for Environmental Action
* EECO685: Developing Powerful Writing
* EECO690: Thesis
Delivery Model
Combining the best of short residencies and innovative web-based instruction, the MA in Environmental Education and Communication program allows both busy working professionals and those just beginning their careers to get the most out of their academic experience. This combination of learning experiences allows students to benefit from the intensity of the program while still being able to meet the demands of family and workplace.
Participants in the MA program take 11 courses (41 credits) including the thesis course. Six courses are taken on-campus, and five are delivered at a distance through Internet-based technologies.
Certificate students take the first three courses in the schedule for a total of 9 credits. Diploma students take the first nine courses for a total of 24 credits.
We will utilize a range of educational methodologies, including case studies, field studies, cultural studies, team projects, lectures and seminar discussions, and online modules. RRU has become a leader in the delivery of web-based interactive distance education courses, and these will be of great value during non-residential periods.
Residency
Over two years, MA students attend two separate three-week residencies and one final two-week residency. The first residency introduces the cohort of students to each other, the faculty, and the RRU style of education as they participate in their first two courses. The middle residency incorporates two courses, may have a more directed field-based orientation, and helps prepare students for their thesis research. The final residency allows completing students to present their thesis findings to the larger environmental education and RRU community and incorporates their final courses, preparing them to be leaders in the field.
Students should expect to be fully occupied during the residency period. The regular classroom schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with homework, readings, and team meetings done outside of these hours. There are activities during the regular workday and in the evenings. In addition to educational activities, there are a number of planned field trips and recreational events.
Online Courses
Online courses are delivered through the innovative use of internet technologies. Students draw on a range of learning resources, while using online discussion groups and drop boxes to develop and complete the electronic submission of both individual and team assignments.
Students take one nine-week distance course at a time. Each distance course requires an average time commitment of 10 - 20 hours per week.
Program Laddering
The structure of the program is laddered so that individuals are able to complete a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or full Master's degree.
* The Graduate Certificate program was designed to be taken on its own, or to ladder into the Diploma or Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication. The Certificate would be awarded upon successful completion of a residency and one distance-based semester (approximately five months). Students may apply for transfer to the Diploma or MA stream during the Graduate Certificate program, or apply to the Diploma or MA program once they have completed the Certificate.
* The Graduate Diploma program was designed to be taken on its own, or to ladder into the MA in Environmental Education and Communication. The Diploma would be awarded upon successful completion of two residencies and one distance-based semester (approximately 12 months). Students may apply for transfer to the MA stream during the Graduate Diploma program, or apply to the MA program once they have completed the Diploma.
* The full two-year program leading to the MA is delivered through a combination of three residential periods, three distance-based semesters, and a thesis.
* Please refer to the Academic Regulations pertaining to the laddering process.
Audience
The MA in Environmental Education and Communication is for those interested in developing social systems that align with the natural living systems we depend on. Learning how we can educate and communicate to engage people into designing society involves all sectors agriculture, health, governance, media, business, architecture, community development, science, education, recreation and more. This program is for communicators and educators across these fields from educators to journalists, from communication professionals to government policy analysts.
This program is designed for knowledgeable professionals, students should already know about the complexities of current problems and the challenges faced by environmental educators and communicators. This program is designed for those who wish to widen their perspective on environmental issues, deepen their understanding of those areas essential to a skilled educator and/or communicator, and develop attributes essential to effective leadership.
Participants seek opportunities to learn with others from diverse areas of environmental education and communication, to engage in core classes, co-operative projects, team planning, and group discussions to reach a better understanding of the language, expertise, and concerns of the widest possible range of environmental professionals.
Students are typically professionals with bachelor's degrees and at least two years' experience working or interest environmental education and communication.
Applicants who do not have the formal academic education to qualify for admission may be assessed on the basis of both their formal education and their informal learning, in accordance with the Flexible Admission Process.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Royal Roads University Awards
There are a variety of awards, scholarships, and bursaries available to help offset your tuition fees.
Entrance Awards
Apply to a competition that falls before your first day of class
In-Course Awards
Apply to a competition that falls after your program begins
Convocation Awards
Recipients are selected by way of academic performance, application, or peer nomination
Student Research Awards
Major grants to support research training for masters and doctoral students
External Award Postings
Other award notices received by RRU are posted on MyRRU.
Funding Sources
The following external resources offer additional funding opportunities through loans, scholarships, or grants.
Government Student Loans
Information about program eligibility and application procedures
Student Line of Credit
A popular and flexible alternative to government student loans
Lifelong Learning Plan
This plan allows you to borrow from your RRSP's tax-free
Emergency Funding
This program assists students with short-term emergency needs due to unforeseen expenses
Aboriginal/First Nations
Funding resources and the President's Aboriginal Support Bursary
International Study
Links to helpful sites for international students studying in Canada and for Canadians wishing to study abroad
Canadian Forces and DND
Financial assistance is available to employees of the Canadian Forces and their family
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