The environmental challenges the world faces today require innovative thinkers and political will. The experts that will shape a more sustainable future need to understand the impact of politics, economics and other human dimensions on the environment. They also need to develop the skills to come up with out-of-the-box solutions grounded in science and social analysis. Clarkson University's Master of Science in Environmental Policy prepares the next generation of environmental professionals to rise to the occasion.
Why Earn a Master of Science in Environmental Policy?
Offered through the Institute for a Sustainable Environment, the master's in environmental policy is an interdisciplinary degree with applied project or research-intensive thesis options. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and personalized toward your specific interests. As a student, you will determine a theme of focus with your research advisor and plan your studies accordingly. To graduate, you will either present a project or thesis founded on your own research.
Our program is rigorous and widely recognized in the field. In 2023, our Environmental Policy graduates boasted a 100-percent placement rate, and the average starting salary for Clarkson graduate students was $90K. In addition to being ranked as a top-tier national university by U.S. News & World Report and a top research university by Forbes, we take pride in putting our sustainability education into action. We have been named one of the Top-75 Most Eco-Literate Colleges by the Sierra Club and have also received a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
What You'll Learn
Environmental and energy policy
Environmental economics
Environmental philosophy and theory
Environmental science
Quantitative research methods
Topics focusing on the environment and society
Review the full curriculum below.
The MS in Environmental Policy consists of 30 credit hours, including two credits of seminar courses and at least six credits of research. The degree can be completed in 12-18 months. As part of their studies, students must choose a theme that will guide their coursework. Suggested themes include the environment and society, corporate social responsibility philosophy and theory, and policies for an energy transition.
The degree is structured as follows:
POL570 (Environmental Policy) or POL571 (Energy Policy).
EC660 Environmental Economics.
A research methods course: one of SS580 (Research Methods) OR EC611 (Econometrics) OR CE502 (Applications of GIS) OR EV591 Special Topics (Methods) under the direction of the advisor OR other methods course approved by the Graduate Chair.
Additional elective courses following a theme determined by the student and approved by the advisor and the chair of the graduate committee. At least two of the electives must have an environmental or sustainability focus as defined in the ISE Graduate Handbook.
Students completing a thesis must take at least three additional elective courses for a total of at least 18 credit hours. Students completing a project must take at least four additional elective courses for a total of at least 21 credits of coursework.
Two credits of seminar courses (EV610 or the equivalent).
Example Elective Courses
Environment and Society
ANTH 570 Environment, Technology and Society
ANTH 581 Culture & Consumption
ANTH/SOC 586 Food and Society or What to Think About What you Eat
SOC 530 Health, Wealth, Inequality and the Environment
Environmental Philosophy & Theory
POL 592 Environmental Political Theory
PHIL 505 Sustainability Theory & Practice: A Critical Assessment
PHIL 510 Where the Wild Things Are; Environmental Philosophy & the Ecosphere
Environmental Policy
POL 571 Energy Policy
POL 572 Biofuel and Farm Policy
POL 575 Environmental Law
Environmental Science
CE/EV 535 Groundwater Hydrology & Geochemistry
CE 577 Atmospheric Chemistry
CE 580 Environmental Chemistry
CE 584 Chemo-dynamics
CE 586 Industrial Ecology
ES 532 Risk Analysis
ES 531 Environmental Sustainability & Risk Analysis
EV 536 Global Climate Change: Science, Eng., & Policy
MS/MBA EP Double-Degree Option
There are 16 credits of overlapping coursework between the MBA and MSEP programs, allowing for the MBA and MSEP degree requirements to be completed in a combined 52-credit program of study spanning two years, including an MS thesis (6 credits) supporting the MSEP degree.
All students must complete either a thesis or a project. Recent environmental policy projects range from establishing a carbon-offset program through agroforestry in Africa to developing a business plan and regulatory analysis for a startup company that treats harmful algal blooms to establishing a governance structure for a municipality-scale emergency microgrid.
An interdisciplinary hub for faculty and students, the Institute for a Sustainable Environment focuses on environmental education, sustainability efforts and research initiatives. It also houses a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including the MS in Environmental Policy. Learn more about the Institute for a Sustainable Environment.
For international applicants, submitting the results of an English proficiency test is required:
Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
MS Prerequisites: Students are expected to have taken a course on American politics or American society (sociology), as well as an introductory course in environmental science, and obtained a BS, BE or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
The program allows each student to build rapport and establish relationships with professors. I come from a small hometown and I am more comfortable in smaller class-size settings where I do not feel like I am just another number in a sea of people. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to have a research assistant position while I was at Clarkson. The relationships I had with the professors that I worked for made me feel like I was truly part of a team and the work experience was invaluable for helping me prepare for my future career. I also had the opportunity to pursue a dual degree and also received a Master of Science in Data Analytics (now Applied Data Science). I found the combination of the dual degrees enhanced my skill set.
Chelsea Hotaling '19MS in Environmental Policy, '20, MS in Data Analytics, '12, MBA
Career Possibilities
The MS in Environmental Policy prepares you for roles in government, nonprofits and the private sector, both nationally and internationally.
Possible job titles include:
Compliance specialist
Director, community engagement
Energy policy analyst
Environmental advocate
Environmental lobbyist
Environmental policy analyst
Environmental reporter
International NGO spokesperson
Sustainability consultant
Vice-president, regulatory affairs
Employers
Our graduate students have secured leadership and research positions in many organizations, including:
