Master of Arts in Energy and Environmental Analysis

This program is designed to teach students the concepts and analytical tools from the natural and social sciences that are required to understand and alleviate environmental problems. The curriculum is based on a interdisciplinary, systems perspective that challenges the student to integrate theory and techniques from different disciplines. Instruction emphasizes the practical use of computer modeling in which students get hands-on experience with a variety of modeling approaches.

Degree Requirements. At least ten courses (40 degree credits) must be taken, including (1) at least four courses in core requirements; (2) four elective courses in a concentration area; and (3) two courses to fulfill the interdisciplinary breadth requirement.

Core Requirements

• A course in quantitative analysis. Recommended courses include CAS MA 684.
• Physical or Ecological Environmental Principles. The required course is CAS GE 510.
• Socioeconomic Analysis of Energy and Environmental Issues. The required course is CAS GE 511.
• Energy and Environmental Policy. The required course is GRS GE 703.

Concentration Courses

A concentration area and four courses making up the concentration area are chosen with the consent of an advisor. One of these courses can be an environmental internship in an appropriate public, private or non-profit organization. Students who chose the internship option are required to give an oral or written summary of their work experience. The course number for internships is GRS GE 902.

Concentration topics and associated courses are generally taken within the department, but students are not limited to GE courses. Please see the Graduate School of Arts and Science's Bulletin for a complete listing of courses available at GRS.

Interdisciplinary Breadth Requirement

The purpose of the breadth requirement is to expose students to the broad, interwoven nature of the environmental field. The breadth requirement consists of two courses, one from each of the following groups. (N.B.: Any of these classes taken to fulfill a required core class cannot fulfill the breadth requirement). For more information on these courses, see the GRS Bulletin or visit the individual department's webpage.

Theory and Concepts
• GRS ES 623 Marine Biogeochemistry (Earth Sciences Dept.)
• GRS BI 648 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology (Biology Dept.)
• CAS GE 504 International Resources and Environmental Issues and Management
• CAS GE 594 Global Environmental Negotiation and Policy
• CAS ES 511 Groundwater Hydrogeology
• CAS GE 503 Micrometerology: Energy and Mass Transfer at the Earth's Surface
• CAS GE 529 Modeling and Monitoring Terrestrial Ecosystems Processes
• LAW 844 Environmental Law (School of Law)

Modeling and Analysis
• CAS GE 550 Modeling Social and Environmental Systems
• CAS ES 577 Groundwater Modeling
• CAS GE 502 Remote Sensing of the Environment
• CAS GE 505 Geographical Informational Systems (GIS)
• CAS GE 517 Models for Hydrologic Analysis
• GRS GE 712 Regional Energy Modeling

Electives for Energy and Environmental Studies

A complete list of electives open to Energy and Environmental Studies majors is available in the GRS Bulletin.