Develop innovative solutions to complex environmental problems.

The world needs you to preserve biodiversity, work for environmental justice, reinvigorate science education, guide communities in planning for climate change, and promote sustainable practices in organizations, schools, and businesses. As a team of passionate advocates, educators, and mentors, this is our mission and commitment to our students. Our Master of Science will help you become part of the next generation of environmental leaders working towards a more sustainable, healthy future.

This degree is offered by AU New England.

Program Overview

Our faculty are committed, first and foremost, to creating great learning opportunities. Student-centered experiential learning is an important part of our curriculum identity. You’ll find our faculty working alongside students in the field and in the classroom, digging soil pits, mapping forest composition, tracking wildlife, writing regulatory policies, developing advocacy campaigns, and teaching.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Environmental Studies

The Master of Science in Environmental Studies is a 36-credit program that can be completed in five semesters. A minimum of 3 credits of an appropriate professional internship is also required as well as a capstone requirement in the form of a master’s project, thesis, collaborative service initiative or a 2nd internship.

Students in all concentrations select three (9 credits) out of the following four core courses. These courses provide the interdisciplinary foundation for understanding and addressing contemporary environmental issues.

Community Ecology of the New England Landscape
Leadership for Change
Earth Systems and Climate Change
Political Economy and Sustainability

Concentration courses provide the conceptual and theoretical foundations in your program (15 credits; 18 credits for Science Teacher Certification) and skills courses (6 credits; 3 for Science Teacher Certification) provide an opportunity to develop a customized skill set that is relevant to your experience and career goals. Additional credits required include a three (3) credit internship and a 3 credit Capstone.

Capstone project
Integrate and apply your course and internship learning through one of four options: an interdisciplinary collaborative capstone project, an individual master’s project, an individual master’s thesis, or a second internship.

International Service Program
Combine your MS in Environmental Studies with Peace Corps service. Through the International Service Program, you can earn credit for your service, apply what you are learning to create positive change across the world, and save thousands of dollars on your degree.

Master of Science in Environmental Studies with Professional Science Master’s Designation (36 credits)
Students in AUNE’s Environmental Studies Master’s of Science (ESMS) program can choose earn the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) designation for their degree. Learn more at the Professional Science Master’s website.

Concentrations

Careers

Graduates of our MS in Environmental Studies program are employed in every sector of environmental work, from private consulting and regulatory enforcement to education, leadership, government, advocacy, and the arts.