Childhood Nature Studies

University of Minnesota Duluth Driven to Discover

Why choose the Childhood Nature Studies program?

Duluth! Childhood Nature Studies is a unique program, both for our area and in the nation. There's no better place to study how nature experiences support healthy children and communities than in Duluth (one of America's top 10 outdoor towns)!
< 60 credits! CNS is transfer-friendly. You can combine it with other majors and minors to create a unique and marketable degree suited to your interests and career direction. Flexibility in course selection also makes this program student-friendly!
Meaningful careers! Are you interested in being a nature preschool teacher? A child life specialist? A family educator? A youth development specialist? A park naturalist? A social change agent? CNS graduates contribute to the world in exciting and meaningful ways.
A growing field! With the growing national and international interest in connecting children with nature and the shortage of quality care for young children, it’s a fast-growing field. Duluth is a hub for nature preschools, and there is an expanding network of professionals interested in working together to help all children flourish in and through nature. And you will have the opportunity to learn alongside experts in this emerging discipline!
Our world needs you! Childhood is an important time for discovering and making sense of the world. Yet kids spend MANY hours each day on screens, and many kids don't even have access to nature or its benefits. We are also facing many environmental issues that will affect children as they grow. We need people willing to work toward a more just and sustainable future!

Lexi Bruno, Nature Preschool Teacher at Wind Ridge School House, Duluth

“When I was in the Young Children and Nature class I was able to do multiple site visits and it opened my eyes to a world of nature play that I did not know existed … I also had the opportunity to test out teaching strategies in real-time with nature preschoolers at these sites," says Lexi. "From my time in this program, I found an internship at an amazing preschool program. That internship evolved into a career where I do what I am passionate about in the community that I love!"

What You'll Learn About

The foundations of healthy childhood development and the potential for nature to support children’s learning, well-being, and unfolding capabilities.
Developmentally and culturally appropriate experiences that support children's learning and development.
The design and use of nature-rich, playful learning environments, such as nature playscapes, early childhood nature play programs, and nature preschools.
How to integrate theory and practice through immersion experiences, reflection, networking, and action research.
Innovations in nature-based learning and development from other countries through study abroad opportunities.

Making a difference in the lives of others

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Childhood Nature Studies

Making a difference in the lives of others

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