Obtaining a masters degree in sustainability or environmental science is a great way to get ahead in the industry and gain more knowledge and expertise. Master’s degrees tend to be much more specific and career focused than undergraduate degrees and therefore, choosing a master’s program can be intimidating and confusing. Here are just a few popular graduate programs with a focus on sustainability or environmental science.
- Master of Public Administration and Master’s of Public Policy
- The Master of Public Administration/Public Policy is a good fit for students who are looking to begin a career in local government administration or even nonprofit organizations. A Master of Public Administration emphasizes legislation and regulations of the environment. Courses in this degree focus on public administration, administrative ethics and values, administrative theory and behavior, public policy, administrative law and policy implementation, public budgeting, financial management, human resource management, and analytic methods.
- Master of Science and Master’s of Engineering
- A master of science can be earned in many different fields. Some examples include hydrology, climatology, alternative energy or fuel, geology, soil science, mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, etc. This degree is great for students who already know what they want to focus on. These degrees will create experts in their specific field. These programs are usually research heavy and focus on hard science.
- Master of Business Administration
- Obtaining a degree in business administration is most common for individuals who plan on going into the private sector. An MBA is one of the more general degrees and doesn’t necessarily focus on sustainability, but many of the skills you learn and develop can be applied to sustainability related jobs. A master of business administration will focus on leadership and innovation.
- Master of Environmental/Sustainability Management
- An environmental or sustainability management degree focuses on business and management of natural resources. Environmental managers advise businesses on environmental decisions related to impacts on the environment and economics. This degree program teaches students how to analyze and manage natural environments for the benefit of humans while preserving the environment. Careers that stem from an environmental management degree include environmental consulting, working in a resource agency, for the government, or in industry.
- Master of Environmental Design and Master of City and Regional Planning
- Individuals who plan on creating careers in sectors related to land use, transportation, economic development, or community development might obtain a degree in environmental design. This degree prepares students to go into to field as professional planners in both the public and private industries. Environmental design focuses on the history and theory of planning, plan implementation, analytical methods such as GIS, and the dynamics of city development. There is an emphasis on environmental problems related to patterns of urbanization and how to solve or minimize these problems.
Written by Alyssa Lemire, Class of 2017
Image: Stockholm Public Library Courtesy of Samantha Marx
