Education
College Courses
Join a network of experts.
Our college courses will help you maximize your professional goals. They feature real-world research and access to more than 32,500 animals. The world becomes your classroom when you study Marine and Island Ecology in the Bahamas or connect with peers via distance-learning programs.
Earn your course credits in Shedd style.
Educators can earn continuing education graduate credits in S.T.E.M. subjects or environmental science. Visit Educator Professional Development for information regarding university partners and upcoming programs.
Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA)
Shedd’s animals, staff and field research programs become a resource for your biology study. These classes are held with both in-person facilitators and via distance-learning technology. You must be a student of Aurora University, Benedictine University, Concordia University, Dominican University, Elmhurst College, Judson College, Lewis University, North Central College, North Park University, Olivet Nazarene University, St. Xavier University, Trinity Christian College, Trinity International University, University of St. Francis, or Wheaton College.
ACCA: Freshwater Ecology 2010
ACCA schools, in conjunction with Shedd Aquarium, sponsor a 3-credit course to connect in-class concepts to field study. Investigate and research the roles water, animals, plants and humans have in freshwater ecosystems. Uncover components of freshwater habitats and survey the variety of plants and animals that inhabit these environments. Throughout the course participants will build research skills and work on a project that connects to real world scenarios. Class experiences occur in Shedd’s Aquatic Learning Center, exhibits and outdoor locations, each connecting you to freshwater ecosystems and the individual impacts you can make.
Class Sessions: Saturdays, Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9,16
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Shedd Aquarium.
Registration is closed.
Contact adults@sheddaquarium.org for additional information.
ACCA: Marine and Island Ecology
ACCA schools, in conjunction with Shedd Aquarium, sponsor a 4-credit course to connect in-class concepts to field study. Discover how oceanography and water chemistry affect marine habitats and island environments. Develop identification techniques for fishes, reptiles, plants and invertebrates while gaining knowledge of field research. Then board Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, for a nine-day Bahamas field experience, studying tropical marine and island flora and fauna and surveying marine and terrestrial communities of the Exuma Islands.
Registration is closed. Join our e-mail list for news about upcoming programs.
ACCA: Marine Mammalogy 2009
ACCA schools, in conjunction with Shedd Aquarium, sponsor a 3-credit course to investigate the diversity of marine mammals, including classifications, distribution, feeding habits, physiology, anatomy and reproduction. Conduct an ethogram project and observe animals at Shedd to understand natural behaviors and become familiar with enrichment tools and training techniques used at aquariums.
For more course information, contact the adult programs coordinator at Shedd Aquarium at 312-692-3351 or e-mail adults@sheddaquarium.org.
Registration is closed. Join our e-mail list to hear about upcoming programs.
Western Illinois University Graduate Program
Western Illinois University comes to Shedd with its graduate certificate in zoo and aquarium studies, masters in biological sciences, or masters in arts and sciences. All participants, degree-seeking or otherwise, must register with WIU and pay WIU tuition in addition to Shedd Aquarium fees. Students may register using the WIU automated registration system (Tele Stars) from a touch-tone phone by calling 309-298-5000.
Visit WIU Department of Biological Sciences for general information, certificate program courses, and information on the Quad Cities campus.
Programs for adults
Shedd experiences don’t stop in the classroom, grab a friend and enjoy some aquatic excitement.
Discounts on many educational programs and classes is just one of the great perks of Shedd membership. Become a member today!
