Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Future Generations Graduate School? Future Generations Graduate School is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution of higher education founded in 2003 by Future Generations, an international civil society organization (www.future.org).
Are you accredited? Yes, the Future Generations Graduate School is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States.
What is the purpose of the Future Generations Graduate School ? The Future Generations Graduate School trains students who simultaneously train communities in an equitable process of community change that integrates development with nature conservation.
The Graduate School offers a two-year Master’s Degree in Applied Community Change and Conservation and conducts research on the effectiveness of community-based approaches for achieving impact in the areas of child health, nature conservation, and peace building.
What is Community Change and Conservation? Communities seek skills and knowledge for creating a sustainable future. Sustainability includes: 1) cultural sustainability, 2) economic sustainability, and 3) environmental sustainability. Community Change and Conservation is the ongoing, never ending process of creating local solutions that balance cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability.
How many classes and students have you graduated? To date, the Master’s Degree program has prepared students and alumni from 22 countries. Class sizes are kept small, and academic standards are kept high. Class of 2005 matriculated 17 and graduated 8 students. Class of 2007 matriculated 18 and graduated 10 students in 2007. Class of 2009 matriculated 16 and will graduate 9 students in 2009. Class of 2011 began in January 2010
Am I eligible for the Master’s Degree Program? Please check our eligibility criteria for full details. To summarize, all applicants are required to: 1) work with a community throughout the two-year program; 2) have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent; 3) be competent in the English language with a minimum TOEFL score of 550; and 4) have reliable internet connectivity.
Do I have to quit my job to complete this Master’s Degree Program? No, as long as you have permission from your employer to participate in two one-month residentials every year, you will not need to quit your job. For 20 months of the 24-month program, you will be based in your home community.
How can I enroll and are there scholarship funds available? Applications for enrollment are accepted at any time on a rolling basis. The next class begins January 2010. The organization works with each student to identify available scholarship funding. Getting your application in early will help ensure adequate time to identify potential scholarship support. Federal student aid is an available option for students in the United States. Limited scholarship funds are available for students of Tibetan ethnicity. Please contact Director of Admissions, LeeAnn Shreve, for more details by emailing: gradschool@future.org.
How much does the program cost? Tuition for the two-year program is $35,000. Additional costs include travel to and from the four international residential programs.
What courses do you offer? Complete course listings and details are available in the Course Catalogue.
Is it true that graduation ceremonies are on the base of Mt. Everest? Yes, graduation ceremonies occur within the Qomolangma (Everest) National Nature Preserve in Tibet, China near the Rongbuk base camp. As an alternative, class II ceremonies, occurred at the Royal Palace in Bhutan.
How is the Future Generations Graduate School financed? Future Generations receives its largest support from private philanthropists. Thank you. Gifts from individuals are often unrestricted and allow the organization to respond more effectively and strategically to community priorities. In addition, the organization receives significant contributions from private foundations, government agencies, and corporations.
I’d like to support your students, how can I help? Future Generations students are typically community development practitioners working with limited funds in overseas settings. You can help by contributing to the organization’s student scholarship fund. Please contact the Dean, Thomas Acker, for more details: tom@future.org.
What happens if I belong to the press and want additional information?
Please contact Director of Communications, Traci Hickson, at traci@future.org
