Museum, Cultural, and Environmental Education - MCE
MCE 501 Foundations of Informal and Non-Formal Education 3 Credits
This foundational course is taken in the first Fall semester in the program. Students will be introduced to history, theory, and contemporary research involving education in informal and non-formal settings. A variety of ways of thinking about the role of education in cultural, historical, and scientific institutions will be explored, including discussions and critical reflections on the role of education in addressing social, cultural, and ecological issues.
Offered: every fall.
MCE 502 Natural, Cultural, and Historical Interpretation 3 Credits
This course will cover the role of interpreters and educators in narrating and describing natural history, cultural movements, and historical events in a range of contexts including museums, parks, zoos/aquariums, tourist attractions, nature-based settings, and beyond. Students will critically explore the role of oral traditions, narrative theories, messaging, interactive displays, and exhibit design as interpretive methods for diverse audiences.
Offered: Every other year.
MCE 503 Non-Profit Leadership 3 Credits
This course provides an overview and fundamentals of managing non-profit organizations. Topics will include organizational management, fund-raising, program development and publicity, and membership recruitment. Students will connect these concepts to educational outreach and program development.
Offered: Every other year.
MCE 504 Program Development & Evaluation 3 Credits
Highlighting the importance of assessment strategies for cultural and environmental organizations, this course covers foundational theories and practices related to program design, implementation, and evaluation. A variety of evaluation strategies will be covered and their suitability for assessing learning outcomes, achieving organizational objectives, and securing funding opportunities will be explored.
Offered: Every other year.
MCE 505 Lifelong Learning 3 Credits
This course covers theories and research highlighting learning as a lifelong endeavour from birth through old age. With an emphasis on various cognitive, behavioral, affective, constructivist, and transformative learning theories, students will critically examine best practices in informal education and interpretation.
Offered: Every other year.
MCE 510 Grant Writing 3 Credits
Students are introduced to the fundamental principles and strategies in researching, proposing, and securing small and large grants for education, research, and/or institutional support. Various types of grants will be covered and students will create a grant proposal as their culminating project.
Offered: Every other year.
MCE 520 Education in Museums and Galleries 3 Credits
This course will introduce students to the many ways in which museums and galleries utilize education to shape visitor experiences. Students will learn about the evolving role of education in museum collections, exhibit and gallery design, presentations, guided tours, digital learning, and more.
Offered: Every other year.
MCE 525 Environmental Education & Nature Interpretation 3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to environmental education and interpretation of natural history, focusing on theoretical and practical applications. Students will examine models of environmental literacy at various scales and in diverse geographic settings. Environmental education programming in formal, non-formal, and informal contexts will be highlighted.
Offered: Every other year.
MCE 699 MCE Capstone Experience 3 Credits
A 3-credit or 6-credit capstone experience will be required of students for the completion of their degree in Museum, Cultural, and Environmental Education . The capstone can be conducted as an internship or research or service project under the supervision of program faculty.
Offered: every spring.
