Environmental and Resource Management, MS

Program Overview

The Environmental and Resource Management MS program at ASU equips students with the knowledge and skills to mitigate environmental impacts, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage ecosystems. The program offers a flexible curriculum with core courses, track options, electives, and a culminating experience. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental management, consulting, government agencies, and international organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Master of Science program focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial activities, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and manage both natural and engineered ecosystems. The program caters to individuals with backgrounds in various fields, including sciences, engineering, management, natural resources management, environmental health and safety, and related areas. The curriculum delves into critical areas such as:

• Environmental law
• Water and wastewater treatment
• Air pollution management
• Solid and hazardous waste management
• Hazardous materials management
• Soils and groundwater contamination
• Water law and policy
• Environmental toxicology
• Natural resources management
• Occupational health and safety
• Sustainable development
• International environmental laws and policies

Outline:

The Environmental and Resource Management program at ASU comprises 30 credit hours, requiring students to complete:

• 6 credit hours of Required Core coursework: This includes either ERM 502 or ERM 527 focusing on regulations and ERM 503 or ERM 506 covering principles of toxicology or chemistry of hazardous materials.
• 9 credit hours of Track Courses: Students select courses aligned with their chosen track, environmental management or international environmental management.
• 9-15 credit hours of Electives or Research: This allows students to tailor their learning towards specific areas of interest.
• 0-6 credit hours of Culminating Experience: This can be a chosen from an applied project, thesis, portfolio, or written comprehensive exam.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Coursework: Regular assignments, quizzes, and exams assess understanding of individual modules and concepts.
• Projects: Both individual and group projects evaluate problem-solving skills and application of knowledge.
• Presentations: Students develop communication skills through formal presentations of their work.
• Culminating Experience: The chosen culminating experience (applied project, thesis, portfolio, or written comprehensive exam) assesses overall program understanding and the ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills.

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in various environmental and resource management areas. The teaching methods prioritize active learning through:

• Interactive lectures: Engaging students in discussions and problem-solving activities.
• Case studies: Analyzing real-world scenarios to apply concepts to practical situations.
• Project-based learning: Providing opportunities for hands-on application of knowledge and skills.
• Field trips: Experiencing environmental issues and management practices firsthand.
• Guest speakers: Gaining insights from professionals in the field.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in various sectors, including:

• Industrial operations: Contributing to environmental management within manufacturing and mining industries.
• Environmental agencies: Working for federal, state, and local agencies focused on environmental and water resource management.
• Environmental firms: Offering consulting services related to environmental issues and regulations.
• Utilities: Collaborating with organizations managing water and energy resources.
• Non-governmental organizations: Engaging in environmental advocacy and project implementation.
• International agencies: Leading environmental initiatives and programs under organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.

Other:

• The program offers the option of an accelerated track, allowing students to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years.