Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy

Why should I pursue this dual degree?

The worlds of business and the environment are increasingly intertwined. The environmental problems we are facing in the twenty first century are deeply linked to the very nature of the modern economic system: the goods and services we produce, market, and consume. Transitioning to a more sustainable society requires integrated action of the public, non-profit, and business sectors. Novel approaches to management are needed.  

Innovations in technologies and services provided by entrepreneurs and corporations are increasingly central to making a transition to a more sustainable world, and to building the “green collar economy” of the future. Non-governmental organizations, traditionally key partners with governments in pursuing environmental goals, are increasingly collaborating with the business world to address sustainability challenges. These organizations need employees with strong management and strategic planning skills, technical skills (like GIS and data analysis), an entrepreneurial spirit, as well as understanding of the complexities of environmental science and policy.

Students admitted to the dual degree program will be able to integrate the perspectives, knowledge, and skills they gain from ES&P courses, which focus on policy analysis and the use of scientific and quantitative tools, with the business and management perspective, knowledge, and skills learned in GSOM courses.

Future professionals who combine the mastery in these two areas will thrive as building bridges between the private and public sectors is increasingly valued, and as cross-sectoral career paths are increasingly common. Students completing the dual degree program may consider jobs in environmental consulting, entrepreneurial environmental leadership (like renewable energy systems), sustainable technology businesses, nonprofit operations and management, corporate sustainability, and others.

How does it work?

The first year of your graduate studies will be spent in the IDCE department and your studies will be focused on environmental science and policy. The second year you will be taking courses at GSOM, acquiring management skills. In the third year, you will take courses in IDCE and GSOM and complete a final consultancy project that will require the knowledge and skills you have gained from both departments. Up to four courses taken during the three years can count toward both degrees. (Please note that there are likely to be few elective course options since students will be completing two degrees during a rigorous schedule.)

How do I apply?

You must submit an application and all required attachments (e.g. transcripts, recommendations, TOEFL scores) to the IDCE Department. You must also concurrently submit an application only to the GSOM M.B.A. program. You will submit just one application fee and deposit to the IDCE Department, which will be considered your “home department.” IDCE will share your required attachments with GSOM. In your required written essay, which can be used for both applications, please address the reasons why you would like to pursue both degrees.

What is the application deadline?

The priority deadline for dual degree applications is February 1. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date if they want to be considered for tuition fellowships and want to ensure their place in the class the following fall. Late applications will be accepted up to April 1 as long as there is space available.

What kinds of activities are dual degrees students involved with here at Clark?

Ezra Becker (ES&P/M.A./M.B.A. ’12), Patrick Bird (ES&P/M.A./M.B.A. ’12), Jill Dimedio (ES&P/M.A./M.B.A. ’11), Nanako Kudo (IDSC/M.A. ’11)¸ and Demetrios Yannopoulos (CDP/M.A. ’11) are the current IDCE members of NetImpact. A creation of the dual degree programs and students pursuing the M.B.A. in Social Change, this collaboration brings students together who are interested in a new mode of business that puts emphasis not only on profits but also on environmental and social impact. Although their aspirations vary, these students are interested in topics such as corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability, microfinance, social entrepreneurship, and much more. As a Net Impact Chapter, their current initiatives include a Nonprofit Board Fellows Program, Green Run (5K), Speaker Series, and more as they are always looking to partner and take on new initiatives.

For more information about the program, please view the IDCE Dual Degree Frequently Asked Questions or contact Professor Halina Brown at hbrown@clarku.edu.

You can also download the ES&P/GSOM Information Sheet.