Earning a Masters of Environmental Management

Schools That Offer Graduate Degrees in Environmental Studies

Jul 15, 2009 Megan Jungwi

A Master of Environmental Management will prepare students to deal with the globe's increasing environment problems.

The Masters of Environmental Management (MEM) is a professional degree that prepares students to analyze and manage natural resources. It is an interdisciplinary degree focusing on the natural and social sciences including biology, chemistry, policy, and law. Students with an Environmental Management graduate degree can become policy makers, consultants, and advocates within government, corporations, and NGOs. Here are a few of the schools offering an MEM degree.

Schools of Environmental Management

Many universities offer degree programs such as Public Affairs, Law, or Business, which have specialties focusing on conservation, ecology, and resource management. A few universities however bring a whole new focus to the MEM degree. These include the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Duke’s Nicholas School of Environment, and University of California Santa Barbara’s Bren School of Environmental Science and Management.

Each of these schools offers a two-year program leading to an MEM degree that brings an integrated approach to the field. This degree teaches students to create solutions by bringing together science and policy, so that humans can sustainably interact with the Earth and its habitats.

Entry Requirements for an Environmental Management Degree

In order to get into an Environmental Management program it’s necessary to have some previous experience with the natural sciences. Students are expected to have taken a course or two in biology, chemistry, and a social science. Courses in statistics are extremely helpful and some programs require calculus. Some schools offer specialties within the degree which have their own prerequisites. These can include courses in economics, organic chemistry, or physics.

Finding Environmental Studies Degrees in Other Programs

Most universities don’t have an entire school devoted to an MEM program. However, degrees focused on saving the Earth’s natural resources can still be found. John Hopkins University offers an M.S. degree in Environmental Sciences and Policy within its School of Arts and Sciences that can be finished in one year on an accelerated program. Columbia University offers a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy, within its School of International and Public Affairs, which can also be earned within one year.

The US News and World Report offers a list of the top ten Public Affairs programs with an Environmental Policy and Management specialty. It may also help to look at job postings and their requirements before applying for a degree. A degree in law, engineering, or geology can all also be used towards helping conserve the Earth’s natural resources.

The Importance of Environmental Studies

Severe environmental problems are facing humanity throughout every corner of the globe. As more people enter the industrialized world, solutions to increased pollution, fewer resources, and disrupted ecosystems will need to be found. Individuals with a degree in Environmental Management will have the resources to face Earth’s growing problems.

The copyright of the article Earning a Masters of Environmental Management in Universities is owned by Megan Jungwi. Permission to republish Earning a Masters of Environmental Management in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Earn an MEM Degree and Save the Environment, lazy_lobster
Earn an MEM Degree and Save the Environment
    
What do you think about this article?
NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 5+8?