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Introduction to the Master of Science in Environmental and Energy Policy

The Master of Science in Environmental and Energy Policy program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to solve present and future environmental and energy challenges. Students enter the program with bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including social sciences, biology, environmental science, and engineering.

Program Objectives

The program aims to develop an understanding of:

• The existing policy framework that governs social relationships to the environment
• The structure of the existing policy, legal, and regulatory framework
• Methods for analyzing policy choices and facilitating decision-making processes
• The sociopolitical facets of environmental and energy policy issues

Funding and Research

Students in the MS program may receive up to four semesters of funding via tuition assistantships. Funding is competitive and not guaranteed. Students are actively involved in research projects on topics such as energy transitions, household resource consumption, and food justice. Program faculty members have expertise in energy systems, forest resources, and food sovereignty.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:

• Industry and private firms
• Federal, state, and local government
• Nonprofit organizations
• Advanced degrees, such as PhD programs or law school

Progressing Through the Program

Prerequisites

Students accepted into the MS program must have strong undergraduate credentials and a high level of proficiency in written and oral communication skills. They must also have taken at least one undergraduate-level course in environmental sciences, statistics, and microeconomics before entering the program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Environmental and Energy Policy requires 30 credits, with at least 20 credits taken in courses at or above the 5000 level. The program typically involves two years in residence, with the first year devoted to core coursework and the second year focused on concentration courses and a project or thesis.

MS, Environmental and Energy Policy: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of an advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The minimum requirements include:

• Coursework: 20 credits
• Thesis research: 6-10 credits
• Total: 30 credits

MS, Environmental and Energy Policy: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The minimum requirements include:

• Coursework: 24 credits
• Report: 2-6 credits
• Total: 30 credits

Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Requirements include:

• 3 letters of recommendation
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
• Writing sample
• Prerequisites: environmental sciences, microeconomics, and statistics
• GRE not required
• International students: TOEFL recommended score of at least 100 iBT or IELTS overall band score of at least 7.0

Admissions Decisions and Deadline

Admissions decisions are made starting on March 15 for the fall semester and November 15 for the spring semester. The application deadline is January 15 for the fall semester and September 15 for the spring semester. All accepted students are considered for financial support.