Skip navigation

The Graduate Fellowship has five major components

Cohort group is in residence mid-July through mid-June for two consecutive years, with Thanksgiving, winter holiday, and spring breaks.

Coursework

Fellows earn 18 semester hours of credit per year during the two-year Fellowship. Coursework is taken at Conserve School, Treehaven and online. The program's core coursework includes topics in:

  • Environmental Education (EE)
  • Ecology
  • Natural Resources
  • Residential Life and Leadership
  • Research Methods
  • Psychology of Adolescents in Residential EE
  • Instructional strategies and curriculum development
Elective Credits for the Fellowship includes additional courses in EE, natural resources and other areas of study, as approved by the student's advisor.

Fellows complete a directed non-thesis project.

Residential Life Experience

Fellows work as part time residential life staff for the high school students attending Conserve School. Duties and experiences include:

  • Sharing responsibility for the general welfare of Conserve School students
  • Working closely with residential and student life staff
  • Planning and implementing student life activities
  • Taking an active role in student and community activities



Graduate Assistantships

All Fellows receive a graduate assistantship, which is an assigned part-time position assisting a Conserve School or Treehaven staff member. Positions vary each year, but may include job functions in areas of:

  • Non-profit leadership and management
  • Program design and implementation
  • Administrative functions in student life, admissions, fundraising or grant writing
  • Outdoor skills and recreation

 

Non-formal Teaching Experience

As part of Practicum, Fellows earn credit by developing and leading programs and outdoor activities for elementary, middle, and high school students, and adult audiences at Conserve School and Treehaven. Non-formal teaching responsibilities may include:


  • Field-based programs at Conserve School and Treehaven
  • Public programs, such as nature walks, night hikes and outdoor skills
  • Outdoor and recreation skills activities (such as camping, canoeing, bicycling, skiing, snowshoeing, orienteering)
  • Extra-curricular activities for high school students at Conserve School


Special Opportunities

Each year Fellows are presented with various opportunities to enhance their education. These opportunities, which help to create well-rounded learning experiences, may include:

  • National and/or local conferences
  • Outdoor experiences
  • Professional workshops
  • Lectures or symposia
  • Networking