Discover what makes Canisius University's MA in Museum, Cultural, and Environmental Education distinctive. Explore the program's interdisciplinary approach to informal and lifelong learning, opportunities to connect theory with practice, and courses that prepare you to create meaningful educational experiences in museums, cultural institutions, environmental organizations, and communities.
Program Highlights
Explore the features that shape the student experience, from flexible online learning and interdisciplinary perspectives to practical applications and connections with professional communities.
- 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
Get a closer look at selected courses and the topics you'll explore, including interpretation, lifelong learning, educational program development, museum education, and environmental education.
- 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).