2016-2017 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 18, 2024  
2016-2017 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science in Environmental Science & Policy, BA/MS


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Accelerated B.A./M.A. programs in biology, environmental science and policy, and geographic information systems (GIS) are available to eligible students. For more information visit www.clarku.edu/accelerate.

Overview


The environmental field in the 21st century is evolving fast to respond to complex interdependencies between the natural environment and human development.

Clark’s innovative Environmental Science and Policy master’s degree develops students’ abilities to integrate natural and social sciences to respond to local and global challenges. ES&P’s expertise in risk and vulnerability assessment, environmental justice, institutional dynamics, watershed stewardship, renewable energy, and capacity building resonate worldwide. Classes and experiential learning give students essential skills for analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

As a member of a closely knit family of graduate programs including International Development & Social Change, Community Development & Planning, and Geographic Information Sciences for Development & Environment, our ES&P Program is unique. Students are exposed to multiple perspectives and creative, integrated thinking in the classroom and in research.

Hallmarks of Clark’s ES&P Program


  • A pioneering spirit: ES&P has been a leader in understanding the relationships among science, technology, environment and society for three decades. Clark is world-renowned for its work on the human dimensions of global environmental change.
  • Global relevance: ES&P covers the globe, with courses, research, and field work that include the U.S. as well as transitional and development countries. ES&P students gain practical skills by working on projects addressing issues in the U.S., Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
  • Dynamic faculty-student research: As the smallest and one of the oldest U.S. research universities, Clark offers elbow-to-elbow research experience with professors who are recognized leaders in their fields.

ES&P graduates become highly sought-after cross-disciplinary professionals, able to bridge disciplines, interests and cultures to champion more sustainable futures in both developed and developing countries. They work with and between stakeholders to understand needs and priorities; to design and implement solutions that are flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable; and to monitor performance.

Visit the ES&P Accelerated Degree website http://www.clarku.edu/departments/es/esp/bama/ to learn more details about the program.

 

Eligibility Requirements


The Accelerated B.A./Master’s Program provides more intensive graduate study of ES&P in combination with a liberal arts B.A. degree. Students in any undergraduate field are accepted for the M.A. degree, though ES&P undergraduate majors do have a significant advantage in preparation. Qualified ES&P majors can be admitted into the Accelerated B.A./Master’s Program without any additional requirements. Majors in other disciplines, however, may have to supplement their studies with a number of preparatory ES&P courses.

Minimum Requirements

For non-ES-, non-science majors:

One introductory ES&P course: e.g. EN 101 or EN 120
One semester of statistics: e.g. Geog 110 or Bio 106
One introductory science course from the following list: Biol 101; Biol 102, Biol 103; Biol 216; Chem 101; Chem 102; Phys 110; Phys 102
Two elective science courses, chosen from the list of Science electives for the undergraduate ES&P track or from the list of Natural Science electives for the undergraduate GES major.

For non-ES majors:

Two social science courses from the list of social science electives for the undergraduate ES&P track.

Program of Study


ES&P Accelerated Master’s Degree Course of Study

The accelerated BA/Master’s student enters the fifth year with up to two graduate course units that transfer from the undergraduate degree into the M.S. program. These two can comprise either 300-level (graduate) courses and/or 200-level (advanced undergraduate) courses that also have 300-level number. These must be taken in the senior year.

A request for admission to the combined accelerated BA/Master’s program is made to the ES&P program advisor during the junior year and will be granted in the senior year on presentation of an acceptable program of undergraduate study.

Both acceptance into the graduate program and the granting of full tuition remission for the fifth year are subject to the approval of the ES&P Graduate Admissions Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies. In the accelerated BA/Master’s, while the fifth year is tuition-free, students can extend their M.S. studies into subsequent semesters at their own cost.

Master’s Degree Requirements


The master’s degree in Environmental Science & Policy requires a minimum of 12 graduate course units. These include five required core courses (5.5 credits), and 6+ elective courses (6.5 credits) to provide breadth and depth. The electives typically focus on a topic reflecting the student’s particular environmental interest. The ES&P program culminates in a final project or thesis based research participation with ES&P faculty or approved affiliated faculty; or the development of a student portfolio.

ES&P Required Courses (5)

IDCE 363 (GEOG 361)  Decision Methods for Environmental Management
IDCE 382       Management of Environmental Pollutants
IDCE 30205   Climate Change, Energy and Development
IDCE 30287   Fundamentals of Environmental Science
IDCE 30213   Final Project Course (1.5 Credits, 0.5 in second semester Senior Year)

Program Advisor


Signature required on the Accelerated Degree Program Advisor Form https://www.clarku.edu/sites/default/files/accelerated-degree-adviser-form-clark-university.pdf

 

Professor Sam Ratick

508-793-4266

sratick@clarku.edu

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