Inspire. Educate. Lead Change
Turn your love for nature into a meaningful career with the Environmental Education and Interpretation program at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, offered as a major, minor, and certificate to fit a variety of academic and career goals. This dynamic program blends science, communication, and education to prepare you to engage audiences, inspire environmental awareness, and make a real difference in communities and natural spaces.
Environmental Education and Interpretation Major
Turn your passion for nature, education and communication into a meaningful career with the Environmental Education and Interpretation (EEI) major at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. This interdisciplinary program prepares students to connect people with the natural world through science-based learning, effective communication and place-based education.
Students in the EEI major build a strong foundation in environmental science, education methods and interpretation techniques while gaining hands-on experience in outdoor and informal learning environments. Field experiences in nature centers, parks, museums and conservation organizations help students develop the practical skills needed to engage diverse audiences and promote environmental stewardship.
Designed for future environmental educators, interpreters and communicators, the EEI major emphasizes experiential learning that prepares graduates for careers in environmental education, parks and recreation, and natural resource communication.
Choose Your Path to a bachelor’s degree in environmental education and interpretation:
- Non-Formal Education Track
Pursue a career as a naturalist, interpreter, or environmental educator in parks, nature centers, zoos, and museums—no licensure required. Learn how to design and deliver hands-on programs that connect people with nature. - Formal Education Track (Licensure)
Double major in EEI and Early Childhood Education to become a certified classroom teacher with a strong environmental focus. Note: This track includes an additional year of study to meet licensure requirements. - Wildlife Education Option
Add a specialized focus on wildlife conservation, animal behavior, and public outreach—available within either track. Ideal for careers in zoos, wildlife rehab, or animal interpretation.
Why Study Environmental Education and Interpretation at UW-Stevens Point?
Develop and teach lessons, deliver nature programs, create interpretive media, and work in schools and school forests with a degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation.
Alumni Map
Where are they now?
UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources alumni live and work worldwide! Check out our map if you are interested in exploring job or networking opportunities close to home.
If you would like to add your information to our interactive alumni map, please fill out the form below.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Environmental Education and Interpretation program meets the requirements of the Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation. Opportunities to add a second major in Early Childhood Education allow you to earn both degrees and a teaching license in five years. A senior capstone practicum provides real-world opportunities to practice what you learn in the classroom at our Central Wisconsin Environmental Station and Schmeeckle Reserve.
Graduates find positions in a wide variety of careers. They may work in the private sector or for county, state, and federal agencies. Job titles include:
- Environmental Educators
- Interpreters (natural, cultural, historical)
- Naturalists
- Outdoor Educators/Outdoor Education Instructors
- Wildlife Educators
- Zoo/Museum/Aquarium/Botanical Garden Educators
- Local Food/Sustainability Educators
- Visitor Services Specialists
- Youth Program Leader
- Program Coordinators (nature centers, science centers, camps, aquariums, zoos, museums)
- Communication Managers
- Formal K-12 Science Teacher or School Forest Teachers (also requires teaching certification)
- Interpretive Exhibit Designers or Content Managers
- Land Conservation Educators
- Environmental Education and Interpretation Consultants
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
Discover your passions, build your resume, and make friends along the way! Whether it is joining a student organization, working at one of our centers, or participating in research at one of our three field stations, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved.
- Join the Environmental Educators and Naturalists Association or any of our other 200+ student organizations housed within Campus Activities and Student Engagement.
- Our Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, and Schmeeckle Reserve provide opportunities for you to gain outreach and research experience alongside professionals in the field.
- Read the CNR Reporter, a weekly newsletter, for information on upcoming presentations, student organization meeting times, and other important happenings on and around campus.
Environmental Education and Interpretation
Navigate Your Major
Major Maps help students map their first day to the first job in their chosen field. While a four-year plan outlines classes to get a degree, Major Maps help students learn how to build career-ready skills and experiences outside the classroom. Each Major Map shows how students can get the most of their UW-Stevens Point journey from enrollment to graduation and beyond. It’s a roadmap to discovering your purpose!
GAIN EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Hands-on learning experiences give students an advantage when applying for jobs. As part of their coursework, students develop and teach the curriculum, deliver programs, create interpretive media, and work in schools and school forests.
Prepare for your career with additional hands-on experiences in all areas of natural resource management during a required summer field experience. You can choose between our six-week, hands-on summer field experience held at our Treehaven field station or on-campus, or take part in our European Environmental Seminar and learn how European natural resource management compares to the United States.
Summer internships and jobs are another great way to build your resume. We make them easy to find through our partnership with Handshake.
Environmental Education and InterPretation Certificate Options
Graduate Level EEI Certificate
If you have an interest in teaching others about the environment and want to receive more training, this certificate, which can be done online or in-person, is for you. Teachers, non-formal and informal educators, and anyone who works with natural resources could benefit from earning their Environmental Education and Interpretation Certificate.
The courses required for this certificate can also be applied towards our online Master of Natural Resources. Visit www.uwsp.edu/mnr for details or contact Becca Franzen (becca.franzen@uwsp.edu)
Eligibility
The professional/graduate certificate is available to the public and current UW-Stevens Point Master’s program students.
Courses
Requirements: 12 credits.
- NRES 701: Readings in Environmental Education, 3 cr. or NRES 501: Foundations of Environmental Education I, 3 cr.
- NRES 767: Fundamentals of Natural and Cultural Interpretation, 3 cr. or NRES 568: Oral Interpretation Methods, 3 cr.
- NRES 705: Environmental Issues Investigation and Action, 3 cr.
- NRES 772: Natural Resources Leadership and Communication, 3 cr. or NRES 771: Introduction to Natural and Social Science Research, 3 cr.
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Undergraduate Level EEI Certificate
If you have an interest in education, communication, and/or natural resources this certificate is for you! Contact the CNR Student Success Center for more details at cnrssc@uwsp.edu
Eligibility
The Environmental Education and Interpretation Undergraduate Certificate is available to all undergraduate students not minoring or majoring in Resource Management: Environmental Education and Interpretation or Resource Management: Wildlife Education.
Courses
This certificate consists of 12-14 credits. You must maintain a 2.25 GPA minimum in these courses.
Required, 9-10 credits
- NRES 301: Foundations of Environmental Education I, 3 cr. OR NRES 370: Introduction to Environmental Studies and Environmental Education, 3 cr.
- NRES 368: Oral Interpretation Methods, 3 cr.
- NRES 374: Environmental Interpretation Practicum, 3 cr. OR NRES 376: Environmental Education Practicum, 4 cr.
Electives, 3-4 credits
- NRES 281 – Introduction to Recreation and Parks, 3 cr.
- NRES 302 – Foundations of Environmental Education II, 1 cr.
- NRES 305 – Inclusive Practices for Outdoor Professionals, 2 cr.
- NRES 369 – Interpretive Media, 4 cr. OR NRES 478 – Environmental Issues Investigation and Action, 3 cr.
Meet Your Faculty and Staff
Faculty members within the Environment and Society discipline bring a wide array of knowledge and experience to our indoor and outdoor classrooms at UW-Stevens Point.
Becca Franzen
- Professor and Director of the Wisconsin Center for Enviro…
- Global Affiliate Scholar – Ed.D. in Educational Sustainab…
Kendra Liddicoat
- Associate Professor and Coordinator of Discipline
- Global Affiliate Scholar – Ed.D. in Educational Sustainab…
Accreditation
Accreditation is a process that shows a program meets high standards for quality and education. When a program is accredited, it means an external organization has reviewed it to ensure you are learning the skills and knowledge needed for success in college, careers, and the workforce. Accreditation also demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and to providing you with a strong educational experience.
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Accreditation
Our program meets the requirements of the Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.
Environment and Society
Our programs in the Environment and Society discipline provide hands-on experience in conservation, environmental science, and sustainability, preparing you for careers in fields like conservation planning, environmental education, conservation law enforcement, and environmental science and management. Through fieldwork, internships, and service-learning, you’ll develop the skills to protect natural resources and promote sustainability. Start your journey toward a meaningful career making an impact today.
College of Natural Resources
800 Reserve Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
715-346-4617
cnr@uwsp.edu
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