FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Now accepting applications for 2026

Pursue your passion 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 and field study at one of the nonformal EE institutions below, you will connect with classmates, Miami University faculty, zoo experts, and community leaders locally, nationally, and globally.

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 in fields such as community-engaged conservation, inquiry-driven education, environmental justice, learning across K–12 and informal settings, animal care and welfare, green business innovation, climate change, urban ecology, human-nature relationships, environmental restoration, and public engagement in science.

Learn more about the Advanced Inquiry Program.

Applications are now being accepted until February 15. Courses begin in May 2026. 

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

For more information, applicants may contact the AIP Coordinator at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Stephanie Harper, at AIP@brookfieldzoo.org or 708-688-8384.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

For more information, applicants may contact the AIP Coordinator at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cassi Lyon, at cassandra.lyon@cincinnatizoo.org or 513-487-3347.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

For more information, applicants may contact the AIP Coordinator at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Stacey Panteck, at smp@clevelandmetroparks.com or 216-635-3357.

Detroit Zoo

For more information, applicants may contact the AIP Coordinator at Detroit Zoological Society, Claire Lannoye-Hall, at clannoyehall@dzs.org or (248) 336-5803.

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

For more information, applicants may contact the AIP Coordinator at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Jamie Lankenau, at lankenauj@jacksonvillezoo.org or 904-757-4463 ext. 107.

Missouri Botanical Garden

For more information, applicants may contact the AIP Coordinator at Missouri Botanical Garden, Susan Baron, at Susan.Baron@mobot.org or 314-691-2628.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

For more information, applicants may contact the AIP Coordinator at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Mackenzie Borau, at aip@sdzwa.org or 760-747-8702 ext. 5757.

Wildlife Conservation Society / Bronx Zoo

For more information, applicants may contact the AIP Coordinator at Wildlife Conservation Society / Bronx Zoo, Tara Chudoba, at tchudoba@wcs.org or 718-741-1682.

In addition to our master's degree programs, Project Dragonfly's core online and AIP web+ graduate courses may be taken on a stand-alone basis for professional development and lifelong learning.

Interested in a global classroom? Miami’s Project Dragonfly also offers global field courses, which can count toward the AIP master’s degree. Earth Expeditions graduate courses occur online and at global field sites in 15 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Learn more about global field courses >