The average grad student leaves with $64,170 in debt.

But you can graduate debt-free with a Master’s in Outdoor & Environmental Education.

Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education

The MSOEE program at Alaska Pacific University combines hands-on learning with Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness as your classroom. Designed for passionate educators and leaders, this program offers rigorous academics alongside immersive field experiences, empowering you to turn your love for the environment into a meaningful career in outdoor and environmental education.

Year One

Attend APU at the Kellogg Campus in Palmer, AK

Year Two

Intern at the North Cascades Institute in Bellingham, WA

Kellogg Campus at Alaska Pacific University

Kellogg Campus, an expansive 800+ acre campus and working farm nestled in Palmer, Alaska, offers an unparalleled learning experience. Here, you can immerse yourself in the teaching profession through our Teaching Lab program, the Kellogg F.I.E.L.D. School.Kellogg F.I.E.L.D. School provides home-schooled children with an interdisciplinary, community-centered, social experience through place-based environmental education. For us, environmental education is more than just science; it combines all elements of natural and cultural history with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University (APU) is a private liberal arts university in Anchorage, Alaska, offering experiential learning with a focus on environmental science, outdoor studies, and Alaska Native cultures. With small class sizes, personalized education, and a commitment to sustainability, APU prepares students for meaningful careers and community engagement.

North Cascades Institute

North Cascades Institute is a conservation organization focused on “transformative learning experiences in nature,” including place-based environmental education, outdoor recreation, health and wellness, conservation, environmental justice and community engagement.Founded in 1986, North Cascades Institute is a nationally recognized education nonprofit organization that empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, enjoy and learn about the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest—so all will care for and protect this special place.Our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature.

Graduate Testimonials

Jimel Lopez Montoya
Program Specialist and
Supervisor and NOLS

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I am a program specialist at Kellogg FIELD School and a seasonal instructor... (more) I am a program specialist at Kellogg FIELD School and a seasonal instructor and program supervisor for NOLS. Originally from Mexico, I've built a career centered around education. During my studies at APU, I gained invaluable insights into curriculum development and group management, which I now apply in my various roles. After completing my graduate studies, I collaborated with Ecology Project International as a freelance curriculum developer, creating impactful educational resources to enhance students' understanding of ecological principles. (less)
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Alex Wilson
Youth Agriculture
Education Coordinator

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The opportunity to teach for FIELD School was one of the aspects of the program I most looked forward to... (more) The opportunity to teach for FIELD School was one of the aspects of the program I most looked forward to participating in. Being an instructor for FIELD School offered me the chance to explore a variety of teaching methods and styles in a supportive, trusting, and encouraging environment all while helping young people learn about exciting topics in fun, integrative, and experiential ways. (less)
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Patrick Kelly
PhD Student and Instructor
at Utah State University

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The MSOEE program at APU taught me how to follow my passions with rigor... (more) The MSOEE program at APU taught me how to follow my passions with rigor. Anyone can chase their dreams, but in MSOEE I learned how to pursue my passions with authenticity, an open mind, and the essential hard skills needed for success. I gained these lessons not only from professors, readings, and experiences, but most importantly from classmates and peers. The program embraces a diversity of individuals from all walks and stages of life, united by the goal of making the world a better place through education and understanding, which was the true joy and enlightenment during my studies. This peer model is one I still emulate today in my teaching, research, and professional work as I continue in the MSOEE tradition of striving to make a positive impact through education and understanding. (less)
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Duc Ngo
Director of Outdoor Programs at Alaska Pacific University

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I am currently working as the Director of Outdoor Programs at Alaska Pacific University... (more) I am currently working as the Director of Outdoor Programs at Alaska Pacific University. I graduated from the MSOEE program, and since then, I’ve worked as the Outdoor Educator at the Chickaloon Tribe’s Ya Ne Dah Ah School and served as a Coordinator of Traditional Games and coach for Tlingit & Haida in Juneau. I am thankful for all of the APU faculty and staff who encouraged me to be innovative and step out of my comfort zone while going through the MSOEE program and working on a meaningful thesis project. (less)
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Emily Miller
Lead Park Guide - Denali National Park and Reserve

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MSOEE has given me many tools to succeed in my current and future career... (more) MSOEE has given me many tools to succeed in my current and future career. First-hand curriculum development through field school and my thesis allowed the connections and experience to start my own environmental curriculum consulting business. The flexibility and individuality of the program gave me space to explore interests in Climate Change education and communication. This experience led me to be selected as the only NPS Climate Change Program "Speaking of Climate Change" Trainer in the Alaska Region, traveling and training park Interpreters and leaders on effective Climate Change Communications. MSOEE is rich in depth of understanding in outdoor and environmental education, that continues to prove long-term advancements in my career. (less)
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Get up to $35,000 over two years to pay the tuition for your Master's of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education

Get information about the program, more graduate bios and a message from the director.

Thank you!

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