Degree Fit
This program is for students who are interested in teaching, whether in K-8 public schools or in non-profits and public agencies. Students will learn the knowledge and skills to contribute to the traditional and non-traditional educational profession. They will understand the concepts of Place Based and Experiential Education, understand Alaska Native and rural culture, and develop outdoor skills and ethics needed to run place based educational programs in Alaska.
The B.A. in Community and Place-Based Education will combine on-campus, distance education, and field-based classes emphasizing hands on, experiential learning. Education courses are at the 300 and 400 level and include extensive practicum hours in K-8 classrooms.
Career Outcomes
Upon completing the B.A. in Community and Place-Based Education students can pursue careers in a variety of areas. Examples include:
- Non profits: Alaska Geographic, Anchorage Zoo, Trailside Discovery Camps, Eagle River Nature Center, Denali Outdoor Education Center, and Campfire
- Government Agencies: BLM Campbell Creek Science Center, Alaska Office of Boating Safety, and the Alaska State Parks Department of Interpretation and Education
- Private Schools such as Anchorage’s Pacific Northern Academy
K-8 Public and Charter Schools: Upon completion of the B.A. students can apply to APU’s Teacher Education K-8 Certificate program and if accepted can complete their student teaching in one semester and be eligible for their K-8 Alaska Teaching certificate.
Degree Roadmap
Example Courses Include:
Core Curriculum
- Introduction to Outdoor Studies
- Outdoor Education
- Expedition in Teaching Science
- Culture and Community
- Indigenous Education & Well Being
- Indigenous Knowledge & the Sciences
- History and Culture of Alaska Natives
- Risk Management
Indigenous Languages and Outdoor Skills Electives
- Central Yup’ik I
- Tlingit I
- Inupiaq I
- Search and Rescue
- Wilderness Skills
- Winter Wilderness Skills
- Indigenous Kayak Design
- Nordic Skiing
- Sea Kayaking
Upper Division Education Courses
- Educational Foundations & Classroom Environment
- Early Literacy
- Curriculum
- Instruction and Assessment
- Partnerships & Stakeholders
- Differentiated Instruction
- Multicultural Education
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