ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

– Yes, recommendation letters are required.
– No, you will not attach the letters. However, you will want to talk to your recommenders to let them know ºÚÁÏÉçÇø will be contacting them to get their recommendation letter.

As part of the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Graduate School application, you will be prompted to provide the names, institutions, and email addresses for a minimum of two references who have agreed to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf in support of your Graduate School application. The application will allow you to list the name and e-mail address of a third reference, but only two letters of recommendation are required to complete your application package.

Once you have submitted your Graduate School application and paid the application fee, an automated email containing a direct link to the recommendation system will be generated and sent to each of your references. When your references login, they will access an applicant-specific recommendation form that is pre-populated with your name, email address, and target degree, and they will be prompted to:

• share their contact details and information on how they know you;
• rate you on a series of characteristics and attributes; and
• upload a letter of recommendation.

To check on the status of a letter of recommendation, you may login to your and select “Manage your Account.” You will see your recommenders’ names listed and their status.

No. You don’t need to take the GRE.

No. It is okay if you have not taken an undergraduate biology course (or its equivalent). This will not affect your application/acceptance to the master’s program. All applicants regardless of their academic background will be considered.

However, satisfactory completion of one college-level life science course (e.g., general biology, general ecology, etc.) or its equivalent is required to complete the master’s degree. If you are accepted into the program and you have not met this requirement, you will be notified and can then enroll in a biology course during your master’s studies to fulfill the requirement. Dragonfly offers a web-based course, BIO 668 Biology through Inquiry, that fulfills this requirement. Details and additional information on the biology course requirement are available in our Biology Requirement FAQs and on the Biology through Inquiry webpage.

For admission to the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Graduate School as a degree candidate with regular standing, you must have earned a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (4.0 scale) at the institution awarding your bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate course work taken after the completion of your bachelor’s degree will not be considered in determining your grade point average.

Yes. While the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Graduate School requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in order for an applicant to be offered regular graduate admission, individual departments do have the opportunity to petition for conditional admission for applicants whose cumulative GPAs are below this threshold if they are otherwise impressed by the applicant’s qualifications and credentials. While not a required part of the application package, low-GPA applicants may send a personal statement addressing any factors affecting their prior academic history to the Project Dragonfly Graduate Committee for their consideration. Personal statements may be uploaded to your Graduate School application using the file upload feature accessible from your Applicant Checklist.

Yes! If you would like to be considered for admission to the Global Field Program and the Advanced Inquiry Program in the same application cycle for entry into one or the other, please:

1. Complete a Pre-Application for each program (Step 1 on the Apply webpage).
2. Create and complete two accounts in “My Project Dragonfly” using the program-specific links in Step 2 on the Apply webpage. You will need to use two different e-mail addresses, one for each account.
3. Send an email message to GFP_Masters@miamioh.edu stating that it is your intention to apply to both programs. Please also share with us which program would be your first choice.

NOTE:
–You do NOT need to complete two Graduate School applications (Step 3 on each “Apply” page); a single application will suffice since both degree options (M.A. in Biology and M.A.T. in the Biological Sciences) are available through both the GFP and the AIP.
–While we can consider your application to the GFP and the AIP in the same application cycle, note that you will accept your placement into only one of the degrees.

Yes. When you complete your Graduate School application, you must upload unofficial copies of academic transcripts for each degree and/or stand alone course that you list in the “Academic Information” section of your application.

Applicants who are offered admission must then submit official copies of their transcripts to the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s Graduate School before the end of their first semester of study. Please be sure the transcript(s) you upload include your name, the name of the academic institution, the courses you have taken, the grade received in each course, and the dates of attendance. Transcripts documenting your bachelor’s degree must show the degree earned and your final cumulative grade point average.

Accepted applicants may have official copies of their transcripts submitted electronically to grad_transcripts@miamioh.edu. Hard copies should be sent to:

Graduate Admissions
ºÚÁÏÉçÇø
301 Nellie Craig Walker Hall
Oxford, OH 45056

Yes! If you wish to be considered for admission to the AIP at more than one of our AIP sites, please indicate your first choice on the account you create in “” and on your application to the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Graduate School.  Then, please send an email message to aip_masters@miamioh.edu sharing your list of AIP institutions in order of preference.  Remember, AIP ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs must live near/be able to readily travel to their home AIP institution for required in-person experiential learning.

Starting your application:

Follow the link on the .

When creating your application:

• “What program are you interested in?”: Please select either "Biology (Project Dragonfly) (online)" for the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree or "Biological Sciences (Project Dragonfly) (online)" for the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree. Select Summer 2023 as your admission term. Please note that you will NOT see “Advanced Inquiry Program” or “Global Field Program” listed here.
• After creating your initial account you will receive an automated confirmation message from the Miami Graduate School.  Please allow about 15 minutes before following the link that is shared in this message as this much time is needed for the system to display the next part of the application on your Application Status page.

Completing your application once your account has been created:

Program Selection: Please share your target degree, and please indicate whether you wish to apply to the Advanced Inquiry Program or the Global Field Program.  If you are applying to the Advanced Inquiry Program, please also indicate your AIP Institution choice.

Academic History: Please enter information for all previously attended colleges and universities, including ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, and be prepared to upload a copy of your unofficial transcript for each school listed. Please be sure to include any graduate classes taken at ºÚÁÏÉçÇø as either a degree-seeking ºÚÁÏÉçÇø or a CGS (Continuing Graduate Status) non-degree ºÚÁÏÉçÇø. 

Please note that unofficial transcripts must include:

• Your name
• The name of the college or university you attended
• A list of completed courses and the grades earned
• For transcripts from institutions where you earned a degree:
  • A notation listing the degree earned and the date the degree was awarded
  • Your final cumulative grade point average

Test Scores: No graduate admissions test scores are required for application to the AIP or GFP.  Leave this section blank and click “Continue.”

Recommendations:  Please provide the names, organizations, position titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses for a minimum of two references who have agreed to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf in support of your Graduate School application. The Graduate School application will allow you to list additional recommenders, but only two letters of recommendation are required to complete your application package.

Supplemental Materials:

After you submit your Graduate School application, please return to your Application Status page, where you will upload the following required materials(.doc, .docx, and .pdf are accepted file types):

• In your Application Checklist you will see a link to submit your Project Dragonfly Essay Responses, which is your responses to two essay questions (limit of 250 words each):
  • How have you translated professional opportunities, classes, or life experiences into your work?
  • How do you think this experience will benefit your personal life, professional life, and your community?
• Under Upload Materials, you will be able to upload a copy of your résumé or CV.

While applications are accepted through January 15 for the GFP and February 15 for the AIP, we encourage you to complete the Graduate School application portion of your application well in advance of these deadlines. Doing so will help ensure that your references have time to complete your letters of recommendation and that all materials will be received and processed in a timely manner.

Application to the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is open between early September and February 15 each year, with a priority deadline of February 1.  Completing your application by the priority deadline is encouraged; however, all applications received by the February 15 due date will receive full consideration.

We also encourage you to complete the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Graduate School application portion of the application package well in advance of the due date as doing so will help ensure that your references have time to complete your letters of recommendation and that all materials will be received and processed in a timely manner. More information is on the Apply webpage.

Admission decision notifications are sent to all applicants with completed application packages, regardless of the decision, by:

• March 15 for applicants to the Global Field Program
• April 15 for applicants to the Advanced Inquiry Program

Admission decisions are sent by email to the email address you used to create your “My Project Dragonfly” account.

No. ºÚÁÏÉçÇø does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veterans’ status in its education programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies. All applicants will be considered based on their application materials.

Yes. All coursework occurs on the web; however, ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs also engage in experiential learning and field work onsite at affiliated AIP institutions, which is an essential and definitive feature of the program. Currently, affiliated AIP institutions are located in Chicago (Brookfield Zoo Chicago); Cincinnati (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden); Cleveland (Cleveland Metroparks Zoo); Denver (Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance); Detroit (Detroit Zoological Society); Jacksonville (Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens); St. Louis (Missouri Botanical Garden); San Diego (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance); New York (Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo); and Seattle (Woodland Park Zoo).

Yes. All of the coursework that is completed as part of the course of study occurs online within ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s web-based learning community, so all ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs will need regular access to a computer and to the Internet. While not required for admission, accepted ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs often find that possessing a basic familiarity with computer use and comfort with online tools and services is helpful in some of the project work completed throughout the program. Keep in mind that if admitted, your peers, instructors, and Dragonfly’s staff members are all available for help and support.

No. The selection committee is looking for a wide cross-section of people — different levels of experience, different ages, different backgrounds.

Yes! Dragonfly graduate programs were originally designed as primarily hybrid and online web-based degrees; therefore, we are fully prepared to adapt as needed so that ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs at all stages can continue making progress toward their master’s degrees.

For more information, you can also view our COVID-19 page.

Acceptance to the master’s program is based on each applicant’s application materials and the merit of his or her application.

Admission decision notifications are sent to all applicants with completed application packages, regardless of decision, by:

• March 15th of every year for applicants to the Global Field Program
• April 15 for applicants to the Advanced Inquiry Program

Admission decisions are sent by email to the email address you used to create your “My Project Dragonfly” account.

To qualify for federal ºÚÁÏÉçÇø loans, and to defer federal ºÚÁÏÉçÇø loans, a degree-seeking ºÚÁÏÉçÇø must be enrolled at least half-time (five credit hours at the graduate level) in an academic term. Under the current course of study/credit hour configuration, this means that many, but not all, semesters’ registration and enrollment can be managed in order to hit this mark.

During terms in which master’s ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs are enrolled for 5 or more credit hours, they can apply for a federal ºÚÁÏÉçÇø loan by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is possible that they may be granted a federal loan in an amount that would cover most expenses for the 2.5- to 3-year program. Also, at any time during the master’s experience, any ºÚÁÏÉçÇø may apply for loans from private financial institutions. More information can be found on the .

All ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs who take out federal ºÚÁÏÉçÇø loans qualify for only one six-month deferment for each particular loan. Students who have not previously used their one-time, six-month deferment are able to defer federal loans beginning in the term in which they are enrolled half-time. Students who have already used their six-month grace period would only be eligible for another six-month grace period on any new loans that have been borrowed.

Please see Project Dragonfly Financial Aid Information for additional details, including information on payment plans. For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about ºÚÁÏÉçÇø loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your ºÚÁÏÉçÇø loans or ºÚÁÏÉçÇø loan servicer, please visit or contact the Student Loan Advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov.

The AIP and the GFP carry the same tuition rate for out-of-state ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs as for in-state ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs. Learn more about costs at each program’s respective “Courses and Costs” page:

AIP Courses and Costs

GFP Courses and Costs

A ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s total cost to earn their AIP degree depends on when they start the program and how long they take to complete it.  Current course costs are shared on the AIP Courses and Costs webpage and follow a Market Driven Tuition rate that is part of a cyclical three-year tuition commitment from ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.  Project Dragonfly works closely with the university and our AIP site affiliates to keep costs down for all participants.

To support involvement by a broad range of individuals worldwide, ºÚÁÏÉçÇø currently offers a reduced tuition rate for all Dragonfly classes. Dragonfly recommends that accepted applicants to the program check with their employer to see if professional development funds are available to further offset costs. Some AIP sites also offer reduced costs to their employees who are also ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs in the AIP.

We offer some further ideas on Helping to Fund your Degree and Scholarships for Current Dragonfly Students.

Students complete a range of projects as they complete their degree work. For example, all ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs complete an Authorship Leadership Challenge to prepare a manuscript or other media for a professional outlet. To see a list of published articles authored by our ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs, click here.

While many ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs complete the degree in 2.5 to 3 years, because of varying individual circumstances some ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs require additional time, which is fine. Per ºÚÁÏÉçÇø policy, all master’s level ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs must complete their requirements for the master’s degree by December 31 of their fifth year of study; in other words, a ºÚÁÏÉçÇø admitted in 2023 has until December 31, 2028, to complete the degree requirements.

Field courses require a moderate amount of walking and similar (not excessive) activity.

The Advanced Inquiry Program is an online graduate program, and all of the classes a ºÚÁÏÉçÇø takes toward their degree requirements are delivered asynchronously online by a ºÚÁÏÉçÇø instructor. AIP Web+ classes, which make up 21 of the 35 credits required for the degree, also include up to five days (or equivalent) per course of required in-person experiential learning on the grounds of their institution.

Possibly. When transferring credits from ºÚÁÏÉçÇø to other institutions, the receiving institution bears ultimate responsibility for the type and number of credits that may be transferred.

Yes. BIO 631 Conservation Science & Community (3 credits), BIO 632 Biology in the Age of Technology (3 credits), and BIO 634 Issues in Evolution (3 credits) can be taken outside of the degree program and subsequently counted towards your master’s degree requirements. These credits count toward the 14 credit hours of required Core courses. For these credits to be applicable toward your AIP degree requirements, you must have:

1) been accepted to the master’s program.
2) participated in the AIP for at least one semester.
3) received a grade of “B” or better in your course(s).
4) taken the course within 5 years of your projected graduation date for the master’s.
5) completed the .

Note: No more than 9 credit hours of Core Courses may be counted toward the AIP. No more than 10 credit hours total may be counted toward the AIP.

Up to 7 credit hours of Web+ courses at an AIP site affiliate can be taken outside of the degree program and subsequently counted towards your master’s degree requirements. These credits may only be used to replace a portion of the 21 credit hours of AIP Web+ courses required for the degree. For these credits to be considered toward your degree, you must have:

1) been accepted to the master’s program.
2) participated in the master’s program for at least one semester.
3) received a grade of “B” or better in your course(s).
4) registered for and received academic credit for the course through ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.
5) taken the course within 5 years of your projected graduation date for the master’s.
6) completed the .

Note: No more than 7 credit hours of AIP Web+ courses can be counted toward the AIP. No more than 10 credit hours total may be counted toward the AIP.

Yes. One Earth Expeditions course (5 credit summer course + 2 credit fall course for 7 total credit hours) can be taken outside of the degree program and subsequently counted towards your master’s degree requirements. For these credits to be applicable toward your AIP degree requirements, you must have:

1) been accepted to the master’s program.
2) participated in the AIP for at least one semester.
3) received a grade of “B” or better in your Earth Expeditions course.
4) taken the course within 5 years of your projected graduation date for the master’s.
5) completed the .

Note: No more than 7 credit hours of Earth Expeditions courses may be counted toward the AIP. No more than 10 credit hours total may be counted toward the AIP.

Yes!  Those who are not interested in earning a full master’s degree may take stand-alone courses for professional development or general interest. We have multiple online and hybrid field courses on topics in education, conservation biology, sustainability, and more. All courses have reduced tuition through ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.  Please visit our Professional Development Courses webpage for additional information.

Because the AIP and GFP are designed for working professionals, many ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs and grads stay in their position but change the nature of their work, or create a new position within the same institution. Others use their master’s experience to become more highly qualified for new careers and jobs at other places. The ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs and jobs span a range of arenas, including formal education, nonprofit, government, and business. Project Dragonfly graduate ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs include professionals working in conservation organizations, non-profits, businesses, parks, government agencies, schools and more. Because our ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs are so diverse, interactions among all of our grad ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs often lead to new ideas for implementing conservation education programs locally and globally.

In large part, ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs drive their own master’s experience through projects they design, so where a ºÚÁÏÉçÇø ends up depends on where he or she wants to go. But ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs also develop specific content knowledge and skills in biodiversity threats and conservation, evolution, community engagement, inquiry-based education, science writing and publishing, and leadership, among many others. These skills can be beneficial in a current work environment or help prepare a master’s ºÚÁÏÉçÇø for a new career. Both the AIP and the GFP provide ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs with academic preparation in the life sciences, innovative research experiences, and opportunities to generate and apply knowledge in diverse community contexts.

ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s Project Dragonfly partnered with the  (AZA) to expand AZA’s professional development opportunities, and in March 2013, Project Dragonfly with ºÚÁÏÉçÇø became an official AZA Learning Partner. Until September 2019, a suite of Dragonfly’s graduate courses counted toward earning a Certificate in AZA’s Professional Development Program. Although AZA is no longer accepting applications to the certificate program, Dragonfly remains an AZA Learning Partner, which AZA defines as a “high-quality resource for career development opportunities.” The AZA is exploring how to continue the Learning Partner program to keep sharing quality professional development opportunities with their membership.

Zoo and aquarium professionals looking for additional training opportunities may visit the AZA’s website to learn more about additional courses, webinars, and conferences that can help enrich their careers. Interested professionals can learn more at the .

Advanced Inquiry Program master’s ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs select from two degree options: either an M.A. in Biology or an M.A.T. in the Biological Sciences. In terms of the course of study, there is little difference between the two. M.A. and M.A.T. candidates go through the Advanced Inquiry Program together, oftentimes in the same classes. And while those who do not currently hold a teaching license are generally advised to select the M.A. program, which option an applicant chooses is largely based on his or her academic background and/or current profession or professional objectives (please also see “Does the M.A.T. degree also include teaching licensure?” below).

Generally, ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs working toward a Master of Arts (M.A.) integrate biologically focused projects, while those working on a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) may have a focus on education. The program is self-directed and, in large part, projects are a result of the specific audience, your efforts, and your own personal and professional goals in the program. The big-picture difference between the two degrees is that fulfillment of project assignments for an M.A.T. may include exploration of the biological sciences through lesson plans and work with ºÚÁÏÉçÇø populations as your audience. However, for the M.A., graduate ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs are asked to focus on zoological conservation and life science projects outside of the typical lesson plan, curriculum or traditional classroom experience. That said, overlap between the disciplines of biology and education is also encouraged and expected in this program. The main expectation is that you will be deliberate about aligning your degree, Master Plan, and professional goals in ways that make sense for you.

No. The M.A.T. degree option is designed for you if 1) you are certified to teach, 2) you have an academic degree in education or education related field (i.e., bachelor’s or master’s), or 3) you have an interest in education or have taught, teach, or plan to teach in a k-12 school or informal education setting. This master’s program does not lead to educator certification.

In addition, for teachers looking for professional development or advancement, realize that this M.A.T. in the Biological Sciences is offered through ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s Biology Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. The degree is not through an education department or College of Education. Some state Boards of Education require a degree to be from an approved education department or College of Education to receive an endorsement, additional teaching area, or other types of advancement. Other boards may look for the degree to be in a content area field, such as ours in biology. To be sure this program will meet your professional advancement goals, we strongly suggest you check with your school district and your state’s Department of Education before enrolling.

All classes that are part of the AIP curriculum are taught by ºÚÁÏÉçÇø instructors, including core Dragonfly staff and full- and part-time faculty.  Additionally, advisors, mentors, and facilitators from each of our AIP sites support AIP ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs throughout their coursework and the development of their Master Plans. Biographies of Project Dragonfly Team members are available on our Team webpages.

Both the AIP and GFP seek to create an alliance of professionals who use inquiry and other forms of participatory education to improve human and ecological communities. Both programs support collaborative engagement. Both are based on the premise that “making a difference” should be woven into the fabric of education–through practice. This practice (which is astonishingly rare in conventional educational settings) requires expanding learning beyond the classroom, tackling real-world issues, and supporting shared knowledge creation and shared action. So in terms of their approach, both programs have much in common.

However, the AIP and GFP differ fundamentally in their focus. The GFP is clearly globally focused and includes primary and intensive learning experiences abroad. The AIP is locally focused with primary and intensive learning experiences in communities where AIP sites are located.

The distinction goes deeper however, because it is not based on academic content alone: the fundamental delivery system, settings, partnerships, and social networks differ as well. It is the AIP sites themselves, the learning experiences and the community-connections they create, that distinguish the AIP from the GFP. The AIP degree is a multi-institutional construct that will be shaped in ways that are not possible through the GFP, shaped by the unique mission, history, social value, resources, and people of each AIP site. The AIP degree creates a national network of AIP sites, allowing for direct cross-fertilization of ideas and practices. The AIP is not only provides a “local curriculum,” it is a uniquely co-owned national experiment, one with considerable potential to create partnerships and cross-training, and to evolve as more successful pedagogical variations are assessed and communicated across participating institutions over time.

Yes!  All ºÚÁÏÉçÇø ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs may request and obtain a DigitalID — please see the Campus Services Center’s Miami IDs webpage for further information.  Additionally, for non-official purposes (reduced rates at conferences, tuition reimbursement from an employer, etc.), Project Dragonfly can prepare a letter for you that verifies your enrollment and standing in the master’s program. Enrollment verification for official purposes (such as ºÚÁÏÉçÇø loan deferment) must be obtained through the National Student Clearinghouse – please see the Enrollment Verification page for instructions and information.

Student Disability Services (SDS) at ºÚÁÏÉçÇø provides a number of reasonable accommodations and resources to support Dragonfly master’s ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs who have disabilities. To learn more visit Miami’s .

With reduced fees as part of ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s support for this program, each master’s course is offered at a fraction of actual costs. But we know ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs sometimes need additional help! Check out our Helping Fund Your Degree and Dragonfly Scholarships page. Below are some quotes from Dragonfly ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs on how they funded their degree.

“Check to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement. I was lucky in that my employer offered $3,500 per year for graduate school. That was more than enough to cover each year of the AIP program.”
– Amy T., AIP graduate from Goshen, Ohio

“I was able to pay as I went. I charged the tuition, which I found reasonable, and then worked hard to pay it off before the next semester. The cost is drastically reduced. I did not have a single loan. Also, I was able to write it off on my taxes.”
– Perky S., GFP graduate from Dover, Idaho

“Believe it or not, I have been ‘pay-as-I-go.’ ”
– Jennifer H., GFP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø from Longwood, Fla.

“I started the AIP master’s eight months pregnant and also had a 3- and a 2-year-old and was a full-time teacher. When you find something you love and are passionate about, you make it work. I graduated this past December and loved everything the AIP master’s taught me. … It is a worthwhile program and gears toward your individual passions!”
– Adrienne C., AIP graduate from Cleveland, Ohio

(replying to Adrienne C.) “I just graduated from the GFP master’s and think you hit on the most important aspect of the work load. If you’re enrolling in a program like this, the chances are you’re incredibly passionate about what you’re studying. While the workload can become heavy at times on top of other responsibilities, that passion definitely keeps driving you. That and the support of a great community filled with other people who share your passion.”
– Mike R., GFP graduate from Fair Lawn, N.J.

“I found that the course work provided an escape from the day-to-day demands of my job as a teacher. I looked forward to losing myself in my courses. They were almost like therapy. I looked at the summer Earth Expeditions courses as not only academic growth but personal growth, as well. I learned so much about myself and gained confidence that I never would have found had it not been for this program. It is amazing how much the program becomes a part of your life. … I could not picture my life without Project Dragonfly.”
– Leah C., GFP graduate from Batesville, Ind.

(replying to Leah C.) “Great post, Leah – I, too, found it an escape into another professional life to talk science with peers not high school ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs. Nice to hear the perspectives of other formal and informal educators – I think we respect each other’s jobs more as well.”
– Kimberly L., GFP graduate from Jackson, Ohio

“There are many grad programs out there (physical and online) but how many can CHANGE your life? This one will. There is not a week (or sometimes day) that goes by where I don’t reference (verbally or in the quiet of my mind) the wonderful experiences I’ve had and friendships I’ve made because of this program. Time management is key to survival, but that is with any program you will undertake. Mine was 9-11:30 pm most nights + some weekend time after all other things were done (job, grading, kids, family, exercise, etc). It is not meant to be easy. Life is work.”
– Kimberly L., GFP graduate from Jackson, Ohio

“I held down two part-time jobs and one full-time job while I was an AIP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø. The biggest factors in my success were the support of the folks in my cohort and the support of our advisor. Outside of that group, however, the entire Dragonfly community was also very supportive, and I made great connections with people I’ve never even met in real life. That cheerleading will push you through the tough stuff for sure! The other key piece, which a lot of folks have already mentioned, is time management. It’s a big part of surviving trying to balance the program and life. I typically tried to devote my Saturdays and any downtime to working on things, even if my downtime was just a few minutes here and there. It can be challenging at times, but when you finish and get that diploma it will be one of your proudest life events! This program was truly life-changing for me, and I’m so glad I chose AIP!”
– Victoria B., AIP graduate from Alliance, Ohio

“In the words of Nike: ‘Just do it.’”
– Suzanne H., AIP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø from San Diego, Calif.

“I was a GFP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø. Not going to say it was not a real challenge. I am going to say that EVERYONE is supportive. Anything important is possible if you break it down into small chunks…and that’s what this program does…. And it’s really about the circle of classmates that are facing the same challenges you are facing. The opportunities outweigh the challenges. DO IT!!”
– Kati M., GFP graduate from Bellbrook, Ohio

“Let’s just say, if I can work 4 part-time jobs and graduate on time, you can, too! As long as you commit the right amount of time for each class, it is doable! The support system is fantastic and know that you aren’t in this alone!”
– Megan F., GFP graduate from Cincinnati, Ohio

“Time management is sooo important and perhaps the biggest challenge! Not watching TV helps!! It helps me to set aside a little time every day for coursework, even if just 45 minutes. I’ve been known to use a few work vacation days to dedicate to big projects/papers. Sometimes using vacation time is the only way I can get a big chunk of time (while my daughter is with child care) to focus on school projects without the distractions of being a mom.”
– Jamie D., GFP graduate from Schnecksville, Penn.

“I am 6 months pregnant, in my first year teaching, mother of one 7-year-old, and have a very needy husband….but I am so happy to be starting my 3rd semester with the AIP program! The workload is very doable and the classes you choose are very flexible. It is a very realistic program for busy people!! And the experiential learning on-grounds is amazing!!”
– Amanda C., AIP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø from Oceanside, Calif.

“My son was 6 when I started this program, and I actually found ways to involve him, his classmates and his friends in some of my projects. It took away some of that mommy guilt. The 10-day expeditions in the summer proved to be a challenge since my husband owns a restaurant and works 7 days a week, but my family and friends were so supportive and pitched in to help! It was an awesome experience and worth every sacrifice and late night cup of coffee!”
– Amy T., GFP graduate from Port Huron, Mich.

“I did an EE course with an 18-month-old and pregnant with my second. The course work was a lot of work, but it felt like good, solid work that would help my teaching. So, I didn’t mind doing it at night. The 10-day Belize trip itself was amazing, and I still refer back to it in my classroom (4+ years later!). I would highly recommend this program. The teachers are amazing, and the fellow ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs are equally amazing. It’s a lot of work but so so so rewarding!”
– Danielle B., Earth Expedition ºÚÁÏÉçÇø from Yarmouth, Maine

“I can’t believe the first 2 semesters have gone by so fast! So it doesn’t feel like it’s gonna take long.”
– Sarah S., AIP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø from Peoria, Ariz.

“2.5 years, teaching middle school and two pregnancies!”
– Eric D., AIP graduate from Canfield, Ohio

“I completed my degree in two-and-a-half years while I continued teaching elementary school full time.”
– Kendell M., AIP graduate from Mentor, Ohio

“I will be taking 4 years to complete. Taking 2 online classes and working full time is pretty work intensive. I wanted to get the most out of it. It is all about the journey for me.”
– Lisa H., GFP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø from Cincinnati, Ohio

“I’m a busy mom with two small kids and completed my degree in 2 and a half years.”
– Sarah C., AIP graduate from Bothell, Wash.

“Took me 3.5 years because I had a summer baby. It made a couple of semesters a little more doable (teaching full time).”
– Angela Y., GFP graduate from Lakewood, Ohio

“2.5 years for me, it was too fast”
– Joseph O., AIP graduate from Doylestown, Penn.

“It took me 2.5 yrs, and during this time I worked 3 jobs simultaneously, single-handedly planned both my wedding and honeymoon and still had a good time!!”
– Ashley P., GFP graduate from Hillsboro, Ore.

“I finished my degree in 2.5 years. Yes, as others have said, it was intense, but it was also amazing and so worth it. I was working full time, and during the final year I actually moved overseas for the first time to start teaching internationally.”
– Joey F., GFP graduate from Vienna, Va.

“It took me 3.5 years, beginning to end, but only because I had to postpone my second Earth Expeditions course. I was due to have our first child the same month I was scheduled to go to Namibia (August 2010). I figured that it probably wasn’t a good idea… I completed all other semesters on time, even with the baby and working full time. It was challenging but doable. And I miss it terribly.”
– Mandy R., GFP graduate from Trafford, Penn.

“Completed in 2.5 years while working full time – it was NOT easy, but I did it!”
– Heather L., AIP graduate from North Ridgeville, Ohio

“This degree is meant for working people. I worked a full-time job and (last semester only) worked part time as well. I finished in 2.5 years and miss all the learning.”
– Traci S., GFP graduate from Lake Worth, Fla.

“I started the program three months after finding out I was expecting our first baby. I had her during winter break of my first year. It was challenging at times but I was able to complete the degree in 2.5 years. Looking back, it was my fastest 2.5 years of school.”
– Courtney G., AIP graduate from Amelia, Ohio

“Worked full time and part time (2 jobs) and completed like above…2.5 yrs. flies by!”
– Natalie L., AIP graduate from Hoffman Estates, Ill.

“I think I am one of the old ladies in the crowd. I started in the program at 54. I had just started my first year as an elementary school principal. I won’t tell you it wasn’t extremely challenging to juggle a full-time career and this adventure in learning, but I wouldn’t change a moment of it. I met amazing people I still connect with, I traveled to places few people have the privilege to see, and I learned more than I ever have in my life. If you are worried, don’t be. Project Dragonfly is there for you!!!”
– Priscilla S., GFP graduate from Dover, Idaho

“I finished my undergrad in 1986 and was 49 when I started the GFP. I never felt like I did not fit in, and in my experience all of the instructors and other ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs have been extremely helpful. The program is all about helping others succeed. But honestly I did feel overwhelmed when I was taking two classes while working full time, so I just decided to stretch things out a bit and take an extra year to complete the program. This was a good decision for me, and I am very happy with the program.”
– Pam M., GFP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø from Blanco, Texas

“What can I say that everyone else hasn’t? Good things come to those who wait. I waited 15 years before I went back and applied to be a part of the AIP, and I’m so glad I did. I can’t say enough about the support I received from my classmates and instructors.”
– Kendell M., AIP graduate from Mentor, Ohio

“Yes, you will! Be prepared to meet some awesome people, both ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs and instructors!”
– Sam B., GFP ºÚÁÏÉçÇø from Berwyn, Ill.

“If it makes you feel any better, I received my Master’s degree in the GFP in December of 2014. I received my undergraduate degree in 1991. Some of you might be able to relate to the fact that the Internet did not exist when I attended college the first time. HAHA! However, I completed the GFP in 2 and 1/2 years, while working full-time and loved every minute of it. The learning atmosphere is very supportive. Believe me, if I can do it, so can you!”
– Leah C., GFP graduate from Batesville, Ind.

“The simple answer is DEFINITELY. This program especially is so warm and welcoming and supportive. Anyone of any background or age will be accommodated and guided through every hurdle.”
– Sarah C., AIP graduate from Bothell, Wash.

“I am pretty sure I was the youngest in my AIP Cohort and had graduated with my B.S. just 14 days before my first class at the Cincinnati Zoo. We had a variety of ages in our cohort and every single one of us ‘fit in.’ It doesn’t matter when the last time you were in school… this program is for everyone!”
– Mary R., AIP graduate from Fairborn, Ohio

“Yes. And this will sound boring and insignificant, but the learning platform used in this program is ‘long-time-since-in-school’ friendly and clearly has the end user in mind. I’ve seen some horrible online platforms that my friends and relatives have to use for their grad programs. Also, you will be so fascinated and engaged with the content and topics that the work is hardly ‘work.’ You are not just paying to go through the motions for a degree. You grow and develop and leave with enlightenment and integrity. You will fit in. If you are reading this… this program is for you.”
– Tessa T., AIP graduate from Richfield, Ohio