Cascadia Pathway Graduate Program
Earn Your Master’s Degree While Gaining Paid Teaching Experience
The Cascadia Pathway offers a unique opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education (MSOEE) from Alaska Pacific University—while gaining guaranteed, paid employment at North Cascades Institute in your second year. In just over two years, graduates emerge with:
- A master’s degree
- Two full years of professional work experience
- No tuition debt
Nordic skiing with Kellogg Field School students in Palmer, Alaska
Two Years, Two Remarkable Places
In your first year, immerse yourself in the rugged landscapes of Alaska. In your second, join the Institute’s team at the beautiful Environmental Learning Center on the shores of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. You’ll teach place-based programs for youth and adults , exploring the ecology and culture of the Pacific Northwest bioregion.
Trail group at the Environmental Learning Center with North Cascades Institute
We know that graduate school is a huge commitment of time and money and we’re hoping to at least ease that burden on the financial side with this exciting new pathway. It also provides an incredible opportunity for students to teach in a deeply place-based way throughout the entire Pacific Northwest bioregion.
— Steve Rubinstein, MSOEE Program Director
Hands-On Immersive Learning
From day one, you’ll engage in a personalized, hands-on curriculum that blends theory with real-world application. Field-based teaching and curriculum design are central, giving you the skills to create and lead impactful outdoor and environmental education programs that promote stewardship, well-being, and lifelong learning.
Through APU’s immersive, interdisciplinary approach, you’ll graduate ready to lead in schools, nonprofits, parks, and environmental organizations across the country.
"Edible Education" in the Children's Garden at Kellogg Field School
“At North Cascades Institute, we believe the best classrooms have no walls. Step into a graduate program where the trail is your textbook and wild places are your guide. The Cascadia Pathway is more than a graduate program—it’s a chance to live, teach, and grow in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by people who share your love for education, nature, and community. This is where your passion for the outdoors becomes your profession!”
—— Bec Detrich, Executive Director, North Cascades Institute
Through APU’s immersive, interdisciplinary approach, MSOEE students gain the knowledge and skills to build and lead effective outdoor education programs that promote environmental stewardship, well-being, and lifelong learning. The program’s blend of theory and practice equips graduates to become leaders in outdoor education and environmental organizations.
Field instructors training on Diablo Lake for backcountry trips with high schoolers in the North Cascades
Alumni Success
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 provide long-term advancements in my career.
—Emily Miller, MSOEE Graduate
LEARN MORE: cascadia pathway learn more: APU outdoor studies
Download: program brochure