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Professional Teaching – Experienced-Based Learning Emphasis

Learn through experience. Lead through adventure. Transform your teaching.

Master's

Take your graduate education beyond the traditional classroom.

UWL's Experience-Based Learning emphasis combines graduate study with outdoor adventure, hands-on learning and a strong cohort community.

Designed for working educators, this 32-credit M.S.Ed. blends online coursework with immersive, in-person experiences approximately one weekend each month. You'll experience the same type of active, reflective learning you'll learn to create for your own students and communities.

Explore courses and more details in the course catalog.

A program within Institute for Professional Studies in Education

Program at a glance

  • Degree: Master of Science in Education (MSED)- Professional Teaching - Experience-Based Learning Emphasis
  • Format: Full-time, Blended
  • Commitment: 4 academic terms ≈ 18 months
  • Program start: Varies by cohort
  • Credits: 32

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Who is this for?

This pathway prepares classroom and community educators to design and lead learning experiences rooted in real-world contexts and community connections, while participating in outdoor, adventure-based excursions.

Admissions requirement: Bachelors degree is any field

Experiences in UWL’s Master of Science in Education (MSED)- Professional Teaching  program

Upcoming cohorts

Adventure-Based Cohort
Next anticipated state: Fall 2027 | Location TBD
Experience graduate education through outdoor adventure, experiential learning, and a close-knit cohort community. In-person experiences will take place one weekend per month in locations selected to support hands-on and outdoor learning.

MacKenzie Center Cohort
Next anticipated start: Spring 2028 | Poynette, Wisconsin
Based primarily at the MacKenzie Center, this cohort combines online graduate coursework with approximately one immersive weekend per month. Participants have access to on-site lodging and engage in outdoor, experiential, and community-based learning throughout the program.

What does an in-person weekend look like?

In-person weekends combine graduate learning with hands-on experiences and cohort community. These are required, and attendance is critical for success. A typical weekend may include:

  • Experiential learning activities and workshops
  • Outdoor learning experiences
  • Small-group collaboration and discussion
  • Shared meals and community-building
  • Reflection and application to professional practice
  • Weekend schedules vary by cohort and location, but are designed to accommodate educators who are working full time.
Adventure is part of the experience

Experience-based learning isn’t just something you’ll study—it’s something you’ll experience. Through outdoor education, adventure-based activities, and immersive learning experiences, you’ll learn alongside your cohort while exploring how experiential learning can shape your own teaching practice.

Outdoor experiences are designed for a variety of abilities and experience levels—no previous outdoor or backpacking experience is required. A signature component is a multi-day backpacking experience, with most equipment provided.

Program Questions?

Rochelle is here for you and is always happy to help!

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Portrait of Katy Smith, '11, M.Ed.

Hear from an alum

Katy Smith, '11, M.Ed.

This program was a great fit because the schedule allowed me to juggle a full-time job and raise three kids.  I could also tailor the program to meet my educational interests — specifically teaching adult learners. It helped make crystal clear what I was good at, focus on it and get even better at it.