SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
American University · Washington, D.C.
MA, GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
MA Links
Degree Requirements ( 39 credits)
In the Global Environmental Policy M. A. program students explore the causes of environmental degradation and the social, cultural, economic and political mechanisms that advance environmental protection. This interdisciplinary program builds a foundation in global environmental policy by integrating the study of environmental politics with natural science and economics.
During this two-year program, students master theoretical and conceptual frameworks for analyzing environmental problems, gain experience in the practice of policy formation and implementation, and develop research, writing and professional communication skills to enable them to participate in the global environmental policy process.
Recent graduates have undertaken career tracks in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, multilateral lending institutions, environmental activist groups, consulting firms, and for-profit entities.
The Global Environmental Policy program is comprised of courses in global policy studies, environmental science, economics, international environmental politics, and environmental law. The policy component includes both classroom and experiential learning opportunities that build a strong foundation in the legal and political dimensions of policy formation and implementation. The natural science component consists of a two-semester sequence of environmental science courses in which students study the biophysical dimensions of environmental challenges. The economics component aims to provide a general overview of economic theory plus a specific awareness of the relationships among economics, natural resources, and the environment. Elective courses drawn from a rich selection of offerings permit students to deepen their expertise in particular areas of global environmental policy.
Depth of knowledge is ensured through the relatively small size of the Global Environmental Policy program and the fact that most classes are seminars, providing frequent opportunity for student-faculty interchange. As students proceed through the Program, they work closely with individual faculty members to develop their own substantive area of interest.
Related MA programs of interest: Environmental Science.
Core
Theory (6 credit hours)
- SIS-660 Environment and Politics (3)
- One of the following:
- LAW-618 International Environmental Law (3)
- SIS-620 Special Studies in Global Environmental Politics (3)
- SIS-649 Environment and Development (3)
Economics (6 credit hours)
- ECON-579 Environmental Economics (3)
- ECON-500 Microeconomics (3)
Science (6 credit hours)
- ENVS-580 Environmental Science I: A Quantitative Approach (3)
- ENVS-581 Environmental Science II: A Quantitative Approach (3)
Methods (3 credit hours)
Choose one of the following:
- CSC-610 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
- PUAD-601 Methods of Problem Solving I (3)
- SIS-600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3)
- An approved methods course
Capstone (3 credit hours)
- SIS-663 Washington Workshop: Advanced Studies and Research in Environmental Policy (3)
Area of concentration (9 credit hours)
- 9 credit hours in a focused area selected in consultation with advisor
Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)
- SIS-797 Master's Thesis Supervision (6)
- Substantial research paper requirement *
- Research practicum **
* One 3 credit hour internship or cooperative education field experience and one 3 credit hour substantial research paper OR two substantial research papers.
** 6 credit hour supervised by major field faculty advisors (by permission and specific arrangement)
For specific information about courses, please consult the University Catalog, Bulletin, or your academic advisor.