The MSRI degree provides an opportunity for National Park Service (NPS) and non-NPS interpreters to apply the philosophy and techniques, the curriculum and training, and the certification review process of the NPS Interpretive Development Program (IDP) to their graduate studies in interpretation.

"In 1995, NPS established standards for its interpreters by creating the Interpretive Development Program (IDP), facilitated by Dave Dahlen, Training Manager for Interpretation, Education and Cooperating Associations and Corky Mayo [Chief of Interpretation, NPS]. The IDP captured the energy and vision of interpreters who strived to professionalize the field.

NPS leaders, including Sandy Weber (pictured above, left), Cynthia Kryston, Robert Fudge, Becky Lacome (pictured above, center), Dave Dahlen and David Larsen (pictured above, right), developed Module 101: Fulfilling the NPS Mission--the Process of Interpretation, to embrace the success and principles of the past, establish a professional language allowing for debate and change, and create practical learning tools that help interpreters consistently deliver quality programs and services. It became the philosophical cornerstone of the IDP.

Forty NPS interpreters made a key contribution to the IDP and the profession in 1996 when they created what has become the agency's working definition of interpretation. 'Programs, media and conversations that provide opportunities for audiences to form their own emotional and intellectual connections to resource meanings and significance through the cohesive development of a relevant idea or ideas.' This 'rubric' or articulation of success became a key element of IDP standards.

The IDP continues to evolve through extensive field input. It maintains professional standards for NPS interpretation through a national benchmark curriculum. It provides training and development through classroom instruction, satellite broadcasts, publications and videos, academic partnerships, and distance learning. IDP best practices are used in many ways including: visitor experience planning, partnership efforts, program evaluation, critical resource issues interpretation, civic engagement efforts, recruiting, hiring, program auditing, and supervisory training.

The IDP also measures professional standards through a peer review/certification program that has assessed thousands of interpretive products."

Excerpt from (p. 198):

Larsen, D. L. (Ed.) (2003). Meaningful Interpretation: How to Connect Hearts and Minds to Places, Objects and other Resources. Fort Washington, PA: Eastern National.

Degree Partners

National Park Service

• Stephen T. Mather Training Center (STMA) 304.535.6215
  Mike Watson
  David Larsen
  Becky Lacome

• NPS Washington Support Office (WASO)
  Corky Mayo
  Sandy Weber

Stephen F. Austin Sate University

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