Advanced Inquiry Program

A Master’s degree gained through the lens of inquiry that leads to meaningful conservation outcomes

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2024 NOW CLOSED


We look forward to seeing accepted students at New Student Orientation on May 11th at the Bronx Zoo and courses will officially begin on May 21st. Scroll to learn more or connect with our WCS AIP program contacts.

Please check back in September for summer 2025 applications and information session dates.


A one-of-a-kind master's program

Pursue Your Passion

The AIP is designed for students from a range of backgrounds and career stages. With professional and academic mentoring and self-designed Master Plans, students adapt their degree path to fit their interests.

I'm interested!

Ignite Social & Ecological Change

Pursue your passion with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Bronx Zoo while you earn your master’s online from Miami University through the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP). Created for working professionals, the AIP is a one-of-a-kind master’s program that immerses students in collaborative inquiry and action as they champion change. Through web-based coursework from Miami and face-to-face experiential learning at the Bronx Zoo or other WCS facilities, you will connect with classmates, Miami University faculty, and WCS experts. AIP cohorts expand their networks, forging connections with community leaders locally, nationally, and globally.

An unprecedented network of premier public zoos and botanical gardens across the United States and conservation organizations worldwide have joined together to support the AIP. This extraordinary learning collaborative, the largest of its kind, fosters groundbreaking ideas, collaborations, professional connections, and study opportunities. AIP students have the option of integrating an Earth Expeditions field course at a global field site into their degree path. The AIP is overseen by Project Dragonfly, an education reform initiative located within the department of biology at Miami University.

More Details

Any questions? Wondering if AIP is the right fit for you and your career goals? Check out our frequently asked questions page for more details!

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Eligibility

Enrollment is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree regardless of academic major or profession. Students should have internet access and be able to attend in-person experiential learning days at the Bronx Zoo or other WCS facilities.

Course Info

Degree Info

Students elect to enroll in either a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in the Biological Sciences or a Master of Arts (MA) in Biology from Miami University. Coursework for all candidates will take place online and experiential learning will happen in-person. Two-thirds of courses include experiential learning at our WCS parks across New York City.

WCS and the AIP

FOR OVER A CENTURY, THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES. EXPLORE THE AIP TO SEE HOW THE WCS VISION, EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES FIT YOUR AMBITIONS.

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Alumni Spotlights

Our students join us from a diverse range of professions and backgrounds. Meet two of our amazing graduates.

WENDY BOSCO ('21)

MA Biology
Science Teacher, Connecticut

DANNY DIMARINO ('22)

MAT Biological Sciences
Parks Professional, Environmental Educator, New York

Current Students

WCS AIP students, look here for important dates and deadlines along with current and upcoming W+ course details.

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Program Contacts

WCS/Bronx Zoo

Tara Chudoba, wcsaip@wcs.org, 718-741-1682
Manager of Professional Development, WCS Education

Miami University

Connie Malone, AIP_Masters@MiamiOH.edu, 513-529-5103
Project Dragonfly, Department of Biology

Check out our interactive map!

Maximize your next trip to the zoo. Check out bronxzoo.com/today on your smartphone to view real-time info and our interactive map.

Need some direction? Access real-time info and our interactive map.

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Visit the in-park app experience

Need some direction? Get park maps, real-time info, and more with our new app.

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