BES: Park and Museum Program

Museums, science centers, zoos and aquariums, parks, field stations and public gardens are a few examples of institutions that have informal education at the heart of their operations. UMSL’s BES program with an emphasis in Informal Science and Cultural Education prepares students to help these and similar institutions in fulfilling their educational missions.

In UMSL’s BES program, students gain skill and insights that can be applied as innovative educators, program managers, activity directors and as curriculum developers in these informal learning settings. BES students in the Informal Science and Cultural Education emphasis will be prepared for employment opportunities in organizations such as museums, science centers, children’s museums, national parks, and a variety of cultural institutions. Through the BES program, students have the opportunity to earn specific credentials, as needed, and to pursue academic minors related to their individual career goals. Traditional state teacher certification is not required for this emphasis area.

Through our strong internship offerings, UMSL BES students have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of field and community based experiences which are included as part of their professional course work. These internship experiences take place in a variety of settings in the St. Louis region. Currently, the BES program offers internship experiences at recognized St. Louis institutions such as the St. Louis Science Center, Challenger Learning Center, Contemporary Art Museum and the Saint Louis Zoo. These and other sites provide opportunities to work with both suburban and urban populations of all ages and for students to participate in a variety of work roles and experiences.

Bachelor of Educational Studies (BES)