Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science in Environmental Science & Policy (B.A./M.S.)

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, abel 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.

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 fro 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

The Accelerated B.A./Master’s Program student enters the fifth year with up to three graduate course units that transfer from the undergraduate degree into the MA program. These two can comprise either 300-level (graduate) courses and/or 200-level (advanced undergraduate) courses that also have a 300-level number in which case, students must sign up for the 300 level. These must be taken in the senior year. 

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 B.A./Master’s, while the fifth year is free, student can extend their MA studies into subsequent semesters at their own cost.

The Accelerated B.A./Master’s student enters the fifth year with up to three graduate course units that transfer fromthe undergraduate degree into the MA program. These two can comprise either 300-level (graduate) courses and/or 200-level (advanced undergraduate) courses that also have a 300-level number. These must be taken in the senior year.

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, two skills courses, and five elective courses 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 a thesis based on research participartion with ES&P faculty or approved affiliated faculty.

ES&P Required Courses (5)

• IDCE 382 - U.S. Environmental Pollution Policy

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• IDCE 30205 - Climate Change, Energy and Development
• IDCE 30287 - Fundamentals of Environmental Science
• IDCE 30213 - Master’s Final Research Paper