Minnesota State University, Mankato
Master’s of Science in Experiential Education
Course Descriptions
ExEd 644: Philosophy and Theory of Experiential Education (3 credits): This seminar is required of all
Experiential Education Master’s students. It examines the writings of historical and current thinkers who
have made contributions to the field of experiential education. The philosophical underpinnings of Plato and
Dewey, as well as more current experiential education literature will be discussed and examined.
ExEd 645: Experience and Nature (3 credits): This seminar examines the phenomenology of the human
experience of the natural world. It starts with concepts derived from William Unsoeld's analysis of
wilderness and the sacred and proceeds by utilizing sources such as the Rudolph Otto, The Bible, Annie
Dillard, Sigurd Olson, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, and selected articles from the Journal of Environmental
Ethics.
ExEd 645: Pedagogy in Experiential Education: This course explores various instructional strategies and
theories compatible with experiential education including brain-based learning, multiple intelligences,
differentiated instruction and more. Class members will engage in constructing learning objectives and
lesson plans, and implementing them in actual educational settings in the Mankato area.
ExEd 645: Leading Cross Cultural Experiences: The intention of this course is to offer ample
opportunities for venturing across the borders of one’s common culture, and to subsequently collectively
construct potential challenges and recommended strategies in facilitating cross-cultural experiences for
others. The premise is that to effectively lead cross-cultural experiences, one must know firsthand the
feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that emerge from such experiences. Explorations may include geographic,
ethnic, socio-economic, gender, age, sexual identity, and diverse-ability cultures.
ExEd 645: Project-Based Learning: This course provides educators with a solid foundation of the
theories and practices of project based learning in K-12 and higher education learning environments.
Different experiential teaching methods that incorporate projects will be examined and discussed.
Educators will learn how to implement the process of project-based learning and will spend time creating
and developing a significant project that they will present to the class.
Ex Ed 645: Reflection and Processing in Experiential Education: This course examines key aspects of
guiding reflective group processes — techniques, principles, and actual activities. This course is intended
and appropriate for anyone who is or will be in a position of leading group interactions. The design of this
course will intermingle theory with applied practice, whereby class members will be regularly leading and
participating in reflective and group process exercises.
ExEd 645: Brain-based Learning & Multiple Intelligences: This course explores brain-based learning and
multiple intelligences as instructional strategies and theories compatible with experiential education. Class
members will engage in creating and practicing lessons, lesson plans, and pre/post assessments using these
strategies.
Revised 11/30/2015
ExEd 646: Research Methods in Experiential Education (3 credits): This course offers an introduction
to research methods as well as tools for becoming a knowledgeable consumer of the research that exists in
experiential education. Class members will be conducting secondary research that can be used toward the
completion of a Capstone Project if desired. The course design will offer a combination of readings,
individualized secondary research, presentations, and interactive learning exercises.
ExEd 648: Controversial Issues in Experiential Education (3 credits): This course provides for critical
examination of definitional and controversial issues in experiential education. Class members will construct
their platform of experiential education (statement of beliefs and values). This course utilizes a
combination of large and small group discussion, readings, point/counterpoint forums, and interactive
exercises.
ExEd 649: Experiential Learning and Educational Reform (3 credits): Current and historical school
reform initiatives such as Lab Schools, EdVisions, The Big Picture Company, Expeditionary Learning
Outward Bound and others will be investigated. Examples of how schools have implemented experiential
learning throughout their curriculums will be provided. Learners will apply information by developing
programs and or curriculums useful to their specific learning environments.
ExEd 650: Teaching Methods in Experiential Learning (3 credits): This course provides educators with a
solid foundation of the theory and practices used in promoting experiential learning. Educators will discuss
how to implement experiential learning using teaching methods such as project based learning, problem
based learning, place based education, service learning, and active learning. In addition educators will learn
how to apply action research concepts in their learning environments. Educators will design curriculum, and
develop performance based assessment tools. Educators will spend time during class developing lessons
that utilize experiential learning, as well as creating assessment tools to match these lessons.
Independent Learning Course Descriptions
ExEd 603: Experience and Education (3 credits): An independent project-based course typically used to
immerse students into a 45-hour direct experience upon which they will complete a project and reflect on
their own personal growth and learning.
ExEd 604: Development of Experiential Education (3 credits): An independent project-based course
typically used by students to design and/or facilitate an extensive learning experience for others.
Designing and facilitation combined should total 45 hours.
ExEd 634: Practicum (1-6 credits): An independent learning course for pertinent practical experiences
and professional development that will further the learning in students’ field or chosen specialization of
study. This course can be repeated in the degree plan of study.
ExEd 635: Internship (1-4 credits): An independent learning experience that typically entails working with
a specific person or organization. This course can be repeated in the degree plan of study.
ExEd 677: Individual Study (1-3 credits): An independent learning course typically used for independent
research or projects into a particular topic, issue, or author. This course can be repeated in the degree
plan of study.
Revised 11/30/2015
ExEd 694: Alternate Plan Paper (1-3 credits): This independent course is used for completion of the
Capstone Project, a requirement of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, in the form of a
secondary research paper on a topic within the umbrella of Experiential Education or Educational
Leadership.
ExEd 688: Creative Project (1-3 credits): This independent course is used for completion of the Capstone
Project, a requirement of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, in the form of a creative project
such as a curriculum guide, program manual, college course design, training module, publication, or workshop.
This may be designed as an independent course in consultation with the advisor, or is sometimes offered as
a cohort class that meets regularly.
ExEd 695: Portfolio Development (1 credit): This independent course is required of all Experiential
Education Master’s students. The intention of the Portfolio is to demonstrate accomplishments made
throughout your Master’s program in professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for
successfully leading, teaching, and facilitating in diverse educational settings. Advisors work with students
throughout their degree plan to monitor progress on their portfolios, which are typically completed during a
student’s graduation semester.
Revised 11/30/2015