Environmental Studies and Sustainability MS

Why this program?

Students drawn to the MS in Environmental Studies and Sustainability degree are passionate about understanding, preserving, and restoring ecological systems, as well as adapting human societies to better reflect our dependence on those systems. They understand that both conservation and regenerative practices are rooted in managing the human impact on these systems. This is especially true as we make the transition to a rapidly warming climate. 

What sets this degree apart from others is its distinctive bioregional approach to distance learning. Rooted in field-based education, this approach asks students to apply what they learn in each course to the specific places where they work and live. This emphasis on practical and local applications of knowledge enables students to make sense of their environments through multiple disciplinary frameworks, build connections with professionals working in their own regions, and learn about different ecological systems from classmates located around the US and beyond. 

This program also serves students by designing courses to fit around their responsibilities at work and at home. Most instructors serving this program bring hands-on professional experience in their fields, in addition to their academic training, and the learning communities we build in our courses encourage more personal connections than students are likely to find in larger institutions.

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What will this program look like?

The core courses in this degree provide students with a foundation for understanding local ecological systems, climate change, environmental attitudes across cultures, applied systems thinking, and essential skills in leadership and communication. Students can then focus more specifically through a variety of concentrations. 

• Our concentration in Conservation Biology prepares students to conduct research and develop policies to protect and restore threatened habitats and populations. 
• Our concentration in Resilience Planning and Climate Solutions prepares students to envision and plan communities, practices, and networks that are more sustainable, just, and regenerative. 

While applying what they learn to the places where they live and work, our students acquire knowledge and professional skills that prepare them to make a difference, whether working in agencies and organizations, or continuing their research at the next level.

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What can you do with this degree?

Graduates of the program will be prepared to serve a variety of agencies at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels, as well as in nonprofit organizations that address issues of conservation and sustainability.

From wildlands conservation and ecological restoration to policy making and community-based education, our graduates are prepared to analyze challenges from a variety of perspectives, and to propose solutions based on careful research, stakeholder engagement, and a solid understanding of relevant policies and opportunities. 

Our graduates have gone on to fulfilling careers, such as the positions listed below:

• Habitat Conservation Biologist, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
• Tribal Coordinator / Grants Project Officer, US EPA
• Science and Education Director, Whitefish Lake Institute
• Wilderness Ranger, Sitka National Forest
• Outdoor Recreation Planner, Bureau of Land Management
• Director, San Carlos Apache Dept. Environmental Protection
• Research Technician, Charles River Laboratories
• VP, Conservation and Climate Initiatives, Woodland Park Zoo
• Executive Director, Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund
• Director, Agricultural Development Division, Vermont
• Wildlife Care Manager, Lake Metroparks
• Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator, Stowe, VT
• Climate Editor, National Catholic Reporter
• Community Outreach Coordinator, Coconino Parks and Recreation
• Director of Communications and Outreach, Pacific Institute
• Founding Director, Save Ohio Bees
• Visitor Services Specialist, US Fish and Wildlife
• Conservation Organizer, Forest Keeper
• Grassroots Organizer, Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah
• Recovery Permit Coordinator, US Fish and Wildlife
• Managing Editor, Passenger Vessel Association
• Program Coordinator, Sloughhouse Resource Conservation District
• Director of Outreach, Community Food Initiatives
• Program Coordinator, Sloughhouse Resource Conservation District 
• Outreach Coordinator, Blue Hill Heritage Trust 
• Transportation Planner, Washington State DOT
• Development & Engagement Manager, Colorado Water Trust
• Sustainability Program Coordinator, City of Louisville, KY
• Program Manager, World Bank
• Environmental and Sustainability Specialist, Pacific Seafood
• Public Affairs Sustainability Analyst, UPS
• Manager, Homeless Outcomes and Data, Allegheny County, PA
• Project Director, Sustainability and Resilience, Tempe, AZ
• Solaris and Education Coordinator, Hudson River Maritime Museum
• Sustainability Coordinator, Bernalillo County, AZ
• Remedial Project Manager, US EPA 

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Available Concentrations

Agroecology & Biodiversity

Conservation Biology

Education for Social Justice

Innovative Entrepreunership

Environmental Education

Food Justice

Media & Communications

Organizational Leadership for Social Impact

Outdoor Education

Resilience Planning and Climate Solutions

Certificate

Entrepreneurial Leadership and Organizational Management