MPA in Environmental Science and Policy

MPA in Environmental Science and Policy Curriculum

Basic applied environmental science forms the foundation for the study of policy analysis and management. Courses emphasize the practical skills that sustainability professionals need to make a difference in the world.

Students learn to drive sustainability through the formulation of policy and the management of organizations. The STEM-designated program is unique in anchoring the study of sustainability policy and management in basic applied environmental science. The combination of science and policy makes for graduates who have a complex understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.

In the science component of the curriculum, students learn the fundamental science of earth systems and conservation biology, including their human dimensions. Students go on to learn applied microeconomics and applied regression analysis, which are required for policy formulation and analysis. They also learn the core aspects of management, including organizational analysis, budgeting and financial analysis, probability theory, and reporting. At the same time, students practice the work skills that are required to be problem-solving professionals: project management, teamwork, presentation, and memo and report writing.

Contact Us

Steven CohenProfessor of Professional Practice
Director of the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy
sc32@columbia.edu

Maya Lugo
Assistant Director of the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy
mll2135@columbia.edu