
Environmental Studies
Why this program?
You are passionate about conservation, and you are dedicated to the preservation of our environment, ecosystems, and all living things that rely on them. You are eager to tackle the the environmental and ecological issues that affect us all. You are persistent in the vital and urgent task to reduce human impact on ecosystems and adapt to rapid change. Whether you’re starting out or a working professional, our program prepares you well.
From policy, ethics, and natural history to conservation, restoration, and adaptation, environmental issues cross many disciplinary boundaries; understanding these varied perspectives is increasingly important as we learn to live sustainably on this planet in an age of climate disruption. The bioregional focus of the program helps connect students to their local natural and human communities, enabling them to go beyond a conventional education and learn to identify and solve problems at multiple scales. Its applied emphasis on practical and local application of knowledge prepares students for professional work, creating opportunities for networking. The degree provides breadth through the common core, as well as depth in their choice of concentration.
What can you do with this degree?
This program is ideal for those who want to help meet the challenges of our time, whether they are working professionals, career changers, or just starting out. From wildlands conservation and ecological restoration to policy making and behavior economics, you emerge a multi-faceted problem solver with extensive knowledge and deep experience, so you can affect lasting change through whatever discipline suits you.
Our alumni have gone on to hold the following positions:
- Tribal Coordinator / Grants Project Officer, US EPA
- Director, Agriculture Development Division, VT
- Visitor Services Specialist, US Fish and Wildlife
- Director, San Carlos Apache Dept. Environmental Protection
- Research Technician, Charles River Laboratories
- VP, Conservation and Climate Initiatives, Woodland Park Zoo
- Outdoor Recreation Planner, Bureau of Land Management
- Community Outreach Coordinator, Coconino Parks and Recreation
- Director of Communications and Outreach, Pacific Institute
- Founder, Save Ohio Bees
- Executive Director, Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund
- Wildlife Care Manager, Lake Metroparks
- Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator, Stowe, VT
- Climate Editor, National Catholic Reporter
- Conservation Organizer, Forest Keeper
- Wilderness Ranger, Sitka National Forest, USDA
- Grassroots Organizer, Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah
- Recovery Permit Coordinator, US Fish and Wildlife
- Managing Editor, Passenger Vessel Association
- Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, York County Parks and Rec
- Program Coordinator, Sloughhouse Resource Conservation District
- Habitat Conservation Biologist, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
- Director of Outreach, Community Food Initiatives
What will this program look like?
This bioregional program gives you the expertise in environmental issues and apply it directly to your own community. The cohort-based program is comprised of six foundational courses. Choose from three areas of concentration-Conservation Biology, and Environmental Communication- or create your own. Gain first-hand, real-world experience through local implementation, so you can acquire the credentials needed to land securely in your career. Develop and deepen your network, whether you’re starting out, coming from another field, or growing in your current position
Key Program Information
Completed Spring 2024 Application Deadline:
December 20, 2023
Spring 2024 Start Date:
January 16, 2024
Orientation:
Saturday, January 13, 2024

FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS
Meet the Faculty
M.S. in Environmental Studies
Admissions & Apply
- The MS in Environmental Studies begins with a core of six courses that establish a foundation based in climate science, policy, ethics, history, ecology. and leadership.
- Students develop specific depth through their choice of concentration: Conservation Biology, Environmental Communications, or a Self-designed path developed in collaboration with the program director. Your concentration will consist of 12 credits, combining required context courses and supporting electives.
- Students will also complete a Practicum (3 credits) and a Thesis or a Capstone Portfolio before graduating. This program is designed to be completed in two years.
- The Environmental Studies MS Program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission has approved Prescott College to offer all of its degree titles via distance education.
Click to view program requirements and academic program information in the Course Catalog.

Alumni Spotlight
Charlie Kloppenburg, who recently completed his MS in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Conservation Biology, has been accepted into the PhD program at Clemson University, working in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology through the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation! As part of his doctoral research, Charlie is researching wetland recovery in Idaho with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s Fish & Wildlife Division, funded by NOAA and The National Integrated Drought Information System.
Before earning his MS, Charlie completed a self-designed BA in Ethnoecology at Prescott College. Some of you may also remember his work teaching Water in the West with Dr. Joel Barnes in Prescott over the past couple of years. We wish Charlie all the best moving forward with this vitally important research!
Careers & Opportunities

Career Pathways
Our graduates go onto fulfilling careers of leadership in their communities and beyond, where they can lead the way to lasting change. Some careers include:
- Wildlife Biologist
- Wilderness Ranger
- Science and Education Director
- Regional Planner
- Wildlife Care Manager
- Visitor Services Specialist
- EPA Tribal Coordinator
- Resource Manager
- Environmental Science Educator
- Conservation Director
- Forest Service Researcher

Career Planning
Our Career Services team works with you to map out a plan that works for your goals and your life. There are many ways to get where you’re going, and we’ve seen it all!

Are you interested in being part of our community?
One thing we all have in common is our passion – passion for helping others, passion for the environment, passion for social justice and a passion for a different kind of learning experience.