Informal Education and Interpretation
Inspire curiosity, connection, and care for the world around us. The Master of Arts in Informal Education & Interpretation at Canisius University prepares educators, interpreters, and nonprofit professionals to design and lead powerful learning experiences in museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, and cultural centers. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates storytelling, program development, and community engagement, students learn to communicate complex ideas in accessible and inspiring ways. Graduates emerge with the creative and practical skills to make an impact across the nonprofit, environmental, and cultural sectors—helping people connect with science, heritage, and one another.
Where Education Meets Storytelling, and People Connect with Nature, Culture, and Meaning.
Teach the public about local and national history. Lead learners through the wonders of zoos and aquariums. Share your passion for art, science, and culture with audiences of all ages. It’s all possible with the Master of Arts in Informal Education & Interpretation, offered fully online through Canisius University.
Our engaging courses and dedicated faculty prepare you for meaningful careers in museums, parks, zoos, aquariums, and cultural and nonprofit organizations. Whether you’re drawn to conserving natural habitats, curating exhibitions, or creating innovative community programs, this interdisciplinary program gives you the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests and goals—building a career path that’s uniquely yours.
Designed for working professionals, the program offers the freedom of online learning without sacrificing engagement or experience. You’ll participate in interactive classes, live discussions, and experiential learning opportunities that develop the skills and confidence to inspire lifelong learning in others. Pursue your passion, expand your impact, and help shape how people connect with nature, culture, and one another.
Informal Education and Interpretation Master’s Program Highlights
- Learn directly from experts and academics with experiences in nonprofits, museums, zoos/aquariums, and other heritage sites.
- Form connections with classmates and alumni who work in a wide variety of locations across the country.
- Take flexible synchronous and asynchronous classes online, without having to move.
- Develop skills that blend educational theory with the important work of interpretation, storytelling, and program evaluation.
- Tailor your coursework, internships and research project to your career goals.
Featured Courses in the Informal Education and Interpretation Program
- Natural, Cultural and Historical Interpretation — An introduction to the history, theory and contemporary research involved in informal education and continuous learning. Lead and participate in discussions about the role of informal education in addressing social, cultural and ecological issues.
- Nonprofit Leadership — Learn how to lead with purpose in educational, cultural, and environmental organizations. This course explores nonprofit management, strategic planning, and community engagement skills essential for professionals in museums, zoos, aquariums, and other public education settings.
- Program Development and Evaluation — Turn big ideas into meaningful learning experiences. In this course, you’ll explore how to design and evaluate programs that spark curiosity and connection, using storytelling and creative interpretation to reach and inspire diverse audiences.
Capstone Experience
The capstone experience serves as an opportunity for students to further develop their skills, network outside of Canisius, and apply new course-based knowledge in real-life settings. Students are carefully advised prior to and during their capstone experiences to help them choose the option that best suits their current and future needs. Students who have completed at least 27 credit hours of coursework choose between an internship or service project under the supervision of program faculty (IEI 699).
Career Opportunities for Informal Education and Interpretation Graduates
Our program prepares you for a rewarding career in the dynamic world of informal and lifelong learning—where curiosity, storytelling, and education come together. Graduates go on to work in museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations, leading programs that connect people with science, nature, art, and history. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in museum and related education fields is projected to grow by 12% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the national average.
With an MA in Informal Education and Interpretation, you’ll be equipped for roles in education, interpretation, curation, conservation, design, and nonprofit leadership—or to advance your current career in one of these fields. Whether you’re already working in education or looking to inspire lifelong learning in new ways, this program helps you turn your passion for culture, history, art, and the environment into a meaningful professional path.
Career opportunities around the world
