Whether you have a strong background in environmental studies or only one summer with SCA, a Masters Degree in Environmental Policy might open doors you never knew existed.
These days we’re becoming more aware of the growing list of environmental issues to be concerned about. Global warming, fossil fuels, pollution, nuclear energy and waste are just a few examples. We aren’t hearing about these issues because they are new. Rather we are more conscious of them because those issues are having a greater impact on our daily lives. Humans have been interacting with nature since the beginning of mankind. Our Earth, by design, has been able to absorb a great majority of the negative impacts we have imposed. Consequently, we have not had to be overly concerned with the results of those harmful actions, such as pollution, global warming, etc.
However, recently our Earth has been showing more signs of environmental exhaustion. No longer can it keep up with cleaning the high levels of air and water pollution. Oil reserves are being depleted as we attempt to sustain an unsustainable lifestyle. Wildlife is going extinct as we pave over its habitat in order to build housing developments, office parks, and parking lots. Agricultural lands can no longer provide enough food to support the growing population.
Environmental Policy is a field that has evolved in response to these issues. The best solution to all the environmental problems we face today is a combination of natural resource management and human management. By sustainably managing natural resources, while simultaneously managing proper human interaction with the environment we may be able to reverse, and maybe someday eliminate, the negative effects caused by our irresponsible interactions with nature.
A large portion of our government is devoted exclusively to the preservation of the environment. At both state and federal levels many governmental agencies exist to correct and prevent environmental injustices. Additionally, non-profit organizations provide services for issues that may be overlooked elsewhere, while also supplying citizens with the needed access to governmental agencies. A degree in Environmental Policy provides anyone working in these fields with the knowledge necessary to manage both the social and natural aspects of the job efficiently. Furthermore, an Environmental Policy degree provides policymakers, lobbyists, and others in the political arena keen insight to how their actions on Capitol Hill and elsewhere truly affect the natural world we live in.
A great number of schools provide the education necessary to master both aspects of Environmental Policy, regardless of whether your background is in natural or social sciences. The following are some schools that I came across during my own search for just the right grad school and Environmental Policy program.
-- George Mason University in Virginia offers an MS of Environmental Science and Policy with a strong course load in natural as well as social science and policy.
-- The University of Connecticut offers an MS of Environmental Economics and Policy and features many courses in the social/economic field with regards to their impact on the natural world.
-- Evergreen State College in Washington state has a Master’s of Environmental Study. This program covers biological, physical and social sciences while integrating public policy.
--The University of Delaware has a Master’s of Environmental and Energy Policy and offers emphasis in a variety of fields including Energy Sustainability, Environmental Justice, Global Environments, Political Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Water Sustainability.
-- Boston University offers a joint MA program in Environmental Policy and International Relations for those who already have a strong background in natural science and wish to focus on policy and global issues.
For those who feel graduate studies are too costly or time consuming, there are programs for you as well. Most graduate programs spend a great deal of time on research. This leads to many opportunities for fellowships and assistantships that can cover the cost of tuition and may offer a living stipend.
-- Johns Hopkins University offers an MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy with concentrations in Environmental Monitoring and Analysis, Ecological Management, Environmental Management, and Environmental Planning. Tailored to working professionals, this program provides part-time and distance learning options.
--Columbia University in NYC has a one year Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy program for those who wish to finish school quickly.
Whatever your interests or background there is an Environmental Policy program that will work for you.
Sources:
www.gmu.edu
www.uconn.edu
www.evergreen.edu
http://ceep.udel.edu/ceep.html
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