SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS

GEP Links

Fields of Study

Overview

See also: GEP Web Site

Environmental issues are among the most profound challenges of the 21st century. The widespread degradation of the earth's air, water, soil and diversity of species is already compromising the quality of life for many on earth and, in the extreme, threatens the fundamental organic infrastructure of life on the planet. At the masters-degree level, the field of Global Environmental Politics provides in-depth understanding of both the bio-physical dimensions of environmental issues and the socioeconomic and political processes that shape the relationship between human beings and the natural environment. The field's multidisciplinary training equips graduates to participate in the global environmental policy process.

Participating effectively in global environmental policy requires a sound grounding not only in governmental affairs but in the broader array of political forces that shape collective life. The field of Global Environmental Politics focuses on these dimensions through a concentration on international diplomacy, sustainable development, environmental ethics, international political economy and environmental justice.

The field of Global Environmental Politics is housed within American University's distinguished School of International Service, firmly reinforcing the program's focus on the global scope of environmental affairs. In addition, the range and depth of experience and understanding available through the School of International Service provides multidisciplinary expertise in policy development and implementation.

The program's unique blend of rigor and flexibility ensures that students are equipped with analytical tools necessary for the profession and permits each student to tailor a course of study to personal interest and career goals. Most courses are seminars that enable close interaction between faculty and students.

Students can pursue two separate but related courses of study within the field of Global Environmental Politics: 1) MA in Global Environmental Policy or 2) Dual Masters Degree in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (in conjunction with the United Nations- affiliated University for Peace in Costa Rica). Both programs draw extensively on American University’s location in Washington, DC.

Washington is home to more institutions of environmental policymaking than anywhere else in the world, offering an enormous wealth of non-governmental organizations, U.S. government agencies, and multilateral institutions.

MA in Global Environmental Policy

The GEP program is an advanced Masters degree in all aspects of international environmental policy-making. The program is interdisciplinary in that it includes strong elements of natural science and economics along with intensive study of global environmental policy. Course offerings include international environmental politics, environmental science, environmental economics, public policy analysis, international environmental law and an experimental capstone course which takes place on site in numerous Washington-based policymaking institutions. Most students pursue internships in Washington and become engaged with environmental-related activities on Capitol Hill and the surrounding area.

Students begin their studies by focusing on a broad spectrum of global environmental challenges.  As they proceed through the program they have the opportunity to refine their interests and develop skills in a variety of sub-disciplines.  Through a combination of supervised research and close faculty interaction students develop expertise in a specific area of study.

MA in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development

The MA in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development is a dual-degree program in which students study at and receive degrees from both American University and the United Nations-affiliated University for Peace in Costa Rica. Environmental protection can no longer be separated from the challenges of international development. This program trains students to participate in formulating policies to advance sustainable development at the local, regional and global levels.

Environmental protection can no longer be separated from the challenges of international development. This program trains students to participate in formulating policies to advance sustainable development at the local, regional and global levels.

Students spend their first semester at American University learning the foundations of sustainable development policy both in the classroom and in interactions with the Washington, DC policy community. They spend the next two semesters at the UN-affiliated University for Peace studying concrete environmental practices and tracking international efforts toward sustainable development. During their summer at UPEACE students must complete an internship by spending several months in the field working intensively on some aspect of sustainable development. This internship experience is a central feature of the UPEACE experience.

Students return to American University for their final semester, during which they complete a substantial research paper or thesis, participate in an integrative seminar that exposes students to professional policymaking opportunities in DC and complete their final courses. The MA in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development is the first-ever course of graduate study in which students can learn first-hand about environmental and development policies from the perspectives of both the South and North.

Internships

The field offers extraordinary internship opportunities. Students in the Global Environmental Policy Program have interned at the World Bank, Global Environmental Facility, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Greenpeace, The Nature Conservatory, National Resources Defense Council, the Smithsonian Institution and Sierra Club. Students in the Natural Resources and Sustainable Development Program have interned at the United Nations Development Programme, The Nature Conservatory, FUNDECOR, Urban Forestry and Landscape for San Jose, ECOTROPICA, PANAMERICAN WOODS, and IS Agency for International Development. The internship program is an essential part of the students’ academic experience for its important role in professional training, contact-building, and the opportunity to apply theoretical understandings to empirical situations.

Employment Opportunities

Global Environmental Politics graduates find diverse employment opportunities throughout the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities include non-governmental organizations, research institutions, environmental consulting firms, intergovernmental organizations, and government agencies. Recent graduates have found work at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, the World Bank, World Wide Fund for Nature, Greenpeace, Conservation International, American Rivers, Environmental Resource Management, Friends of the Earth, Worldwatch Institute, Isaac Walton League, World Resources Institute, Chemonics International and National Parks Conservation Association.

Research

The field of Global Environmental Politics has a world-class faculty dedicated to education and research in environment and development policy. In addition to course work, students work closely with individual faculty members as they proceed through their course of study and undertake their own research.

Alumni Network

Alumni play a key role in helping students reach their career and academic goals. Alumni are active in sharing career information with the university community and recruiting School of International Service students for internships and jobs. In recent years, alumni have hosted receptions and discussions in such diverse locations as the World Bank, the State Department, and the Academy for Educational Development.

Finally, the school's 13,000-strong alumni community serves as an incomparable resource for current students and an example of the leading role played in international affairs by School of International Service graduates.

Faculty

SIS/AU Faculty:

UPEACE Faculty:

Also, see the GEP Web Site.

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