Admissions
Who's eligible?
Earth Expeditions university courses are open to individuals from all disciplines and settings from pre-K-12 teachers, school administrators, and university faculty, to educators and naturalists from non-school settings, such as zoos, environmental centers, businesses, youth programs, parks, and museums. The Earth Expeditions' Selection Committee -- dedicated to creating diverse Earth Expeditions groups -- looks for new, mid-career, and senior educators and administrators from a broad range of disciplines, backgrounds, and educational settings. Our courses are also open to select undergraduate and graduate students from Miami University. Non-Miami University applicants must be 18 years or older and have a bachelor's degree. In addition, prior to the first day of class, applicants must have a valid email address and access to a computer with Internet capability. Travel experience is not necessary.
Physical Requirements
For Earth Expeditions courses, students must be in good health and be able to sustain moderate physical activity. Walking and spending many hours outside should be expected during your field experience. If you have been living a somewhat sedentary lifestyle, we suggest that you begin moderate exercise at least two months before departing on your Earth Expeditions course: walking or hiking is perfect; include a range of flat and hilly terrain in your training. It's a good idea to walk with a daypack as you will almost always have daily supplies with you during the course.
While most Earth Expeditions are not physically strenuous, they are active; there will be physical activity every day, usually hiking, sometimes in steep or rugged terrain. If your body is conditioned to this type of exercise, you will have more stamina and be better able to fully enjoy your surroundings and take in the educational opportunities on the trail. Depending on the Earth Expeditions location, environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and altitude can impact your mental and physical capacities. Being physically prepared will help you handle these challenges with a spirit of adventure. Rest assured, educators from their 20s to their 60s have participated fully in Earth Expeditions courses.
Applicants who are successfully admitted into an Earth Expeditions course will receive a health form that must be returned with their enrollment materials.
Technological Requirements
To sustain communication and learning, Earth Expeditions courses combine face-to-face experiences with Web-based follow-up. All students are required to have a valid, working email address and access to a computer with Internet connection. The easy-to-use course Web site is designed for educators -- even those who have no previous computer experience. Ongoing training and support will be available to all program participants.
Application Due Date
The admissions process begins when you submit an application. The Earth Expeditions application is usually available on the Web from fall to the January 28 due date.
Notification of Acceptance
The first round of accepted Earth Expeditions applicants will be notified by March 15th of each year.
The Acceptance Packet
Successful applicants will receive an acceptance packet, which will include a 'What to Take' list with clothing and gear suggestions and information on vaccinations and travel health, emergency contacts, and the country you'll be visiting. Other pertinent details will also be included.
Accommodations at Earth Expeditions Locations
During Earth Expeditions courses, lodging will consist of both comfortable hotels with many conveniences and more modest accommodations. Research field stations may be simple and without frills, and heat or air conditioning may not be available at all locations. In some instances, modern toilet facilities will not be available. Some field sites are far from medical facilities. Clean drinking water will always be provided. Regardless of location, students will be sharing rooms and will be expected to carry their luggage to and from lodging and transportation.
Tuition and University Credit
Non-Miami University Participants
To support involvement by a broad range of educators from across the nation, Miami University currently offers a reduced tuition rate for Earth Expeditions students who hold bachelor's degrees and who are not full-time students at Miami University. Upon successful completion of both the field and Web-based components of the Earth Expeditions course, participants will receive seven graduate credit hours.
Earth Expeditions students will earn 7 graduate credit hours for completing the required coursework.
Miami University Students taking Earth Expeditions Courses
Full-time Miami University undergraduate and graduate Earth Expeditions students pay tuition for five credit hours unless they have summer tuition waivers through a graduate assistantship or scholarship. Miami students receive seven credit hours upon successful completion of both the field and Web-based components of the course.
All courses are taken for a grade and cannot be taken on a non-credit or pass/fail basis.
Terms
To retain a space, accepted applicants -- once notified -- will have 10 days to complete and submit enrollment materials and course costs to Miami University.Course Costs
$1290 + Airfare
Tuition for 7 graduate credits plus all basic expenses in the field are covered in the course costs, including:
- Meals (incidental snacks and drinks not included)
- Lodging
- Field station fees
- Field equipment (as needed)
- Ground transportation (van, boat, train, etc., as needed)
- Park entrance and guide fees
Course costs do not cover personal expenses, such as gifts, or some ancillary costs, such as passport fees and course texts.
Course costs are non-refundable. If you withdraw from a course by notifying the Earth Expeditions program in writing by April 15th, your course costs can be applied to a later course within the next 12 months, subject to acceptance.
Up-to-date estimates of airfare for Earth Expeditions courses will be distributed with enrollment materials to successful applicants.
Financial Support
Because of support from Miami University and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the course costs listed above are a fraction of actual program costs. Earth Expeditions recommends that accepted applicants to the program check with their school district or employer to see if professional development funds are available to further offset costs. Click here for more Grant Funding Tips.