The Pathway of Experiential Learning

roject NatureConnect is built to function, as much as possible, the way nature works: according to natural attraction and mutual consent. So far as we know, no other graduate program in the United States offers a 360-degree, 3-dimensional experiential program in the restoration of our connection to nature. Students in our program follow their natural attractions to participate at every level of the organization, enabling us to offer the program at minimal cost, with an extremely generous and flexible financial aid program. The whole program is an exercise in the development of mutually beneficial relationships via natural attraction. (Read More)

Program Options:

• Accredited Continuing Education Courses (CEUs) 

• Certification Levels I, II and III 

• Bachelor’s Equivalency (for MS Degree)

• Master of Science Degree

• Master of Science Equivalency (for Doctoral Degree)

• Doctoral Degree

Our curriculum consists of a series of courses that build upon each other. Students learn the theory of Natural Attraction Ecology and the method of the Natural Systems Thinking Process, and go progressively deeper into experiential learning. Because our students come from many different professions and with a wide range of professional goals, advanced learning is tailored to each student’s area of professional interest.

Students learn about how nature works by direct sensory perception. They study how our sensory system functions as an integral part of the natural ecological system, and how to use direct sensory contact and interaction with nature in education, counseling and healing work. Students learn from experience that nature is a ready and willing partner in human self-regulation, revitalization, insight, personal healing, and restoration of healthy, responsible relationships not only with self and others, but with the Earth ecosystem community as a whole.

The Orientation Course: Start Here

All students begin with The Orientation Course, titled ECO 500/600: The Organic Psychology of Global Citizenship. This course is an introduction to the model and method; at the end of this course, students generally know whether they are ready to commit to the certificate or degree program and to join the Project NatureConnect community. Midway through the course, Orientation Course students receive an invitation to apply to enter a program track and become a member of our international community.

The program path in its entirety consists of three small group courses, two theoretical self-study courses, three self-tailored, self-study advanced courses, an experiential practicum in participation in the natural system community process, two comprehensive exams, and for graduate students, a Master’s Thesis or Doctoral Dissertation.

Self-Organizing Classes

Unlike conventional graduate programs which run on a semester schedule, group classes are self-organizing and begin whenever several students and a co-facilitator are ready to start. In practice, each group class generally begins at the beginning of each month. Sometimes two or three class groups begin in a given month. Students are free to go at their own pace. Class groups may speed up or slow down by consensus.

Personally Tailored Advanced Coursework

Advanced and elective courses enable students to tailor their learning to their professional interests and goals and provide a framework within which students can begin to integrate Applied Ecopsychology into their existing knowledge and experience base.

A Pathway to Increasingly Higher Certificate or Degree Level

All students follow the same path of courses in the program. The further along the program path a student goes, the higher the certificate level or degree the student earns.

Explore the Student Orientation Handbook for detailed program information and video.