Environmental and Energy Policy—MS

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor.  The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of course work by regularly scheduling graduate research credits. The thesis must be prepared following the current procedures.  

At least two weeks prior to the oral examination, students must

• Schedule their examination using the Pre-defense form
• Submit a draft thesis to the Graduate School
• Distribute the thesis to the examining committee

The Degree schedule form (M4) must be approved before a defense is scheduled.

Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit a final thesis to the Graduate School prior to completing their degrees.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of course work by regularly scheduling graduate research credits. The report must be prepared following the current procedures.

At least two weeks prior to the oral examination, students must

• Schedule their examination using the Pre-defense form
• Distribute the report to the examining committee

The Degree schedule form (M4) must be approved before a defense is scheduled.

Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit a single paper copy of the corrected and approved report in a sturdy binder including an original signature page to the Graduate School.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in course work other than the project.

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through course work. Research credits may be used on a case-by-case basis following the approval of the graduate program director. 

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree.

This is not an official list of degree requirements.
Adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes.

All of these courses are required:

• SS5300 Environmental and Energy Policy
• SS5350 Environmental Policy Analysis
• SS5400 Sociology of the Environment
• SS5550 Global Environmental History

Students will select one methods course, typically from among the following depending upon their background and interests:

• SS4010 Social Science Methods
• EC4200 Econometrics
• SS4211 Ethnographic Methods
• FW5550 Geographic Information Systems

In the second year, students, in consultation with their guidance committee, will identify at least two courses (thesis option) or three courses (report option) that are most appropriate for their needs. These elective courses comprise the concentration area, providing further depth in some aspect of environmental policy or related skills and techniques. The concentration courses, which are drawn from departments across the University, will often link policy interests, internship activities, and students' particular skills.

Concentrations might include

• Resource management
• Policy and regulation
• Environmental technologies
• Energy policy
• Ecosystems management
• Pollution control
• Organizations
• Communications

Much of the second year is devoted to a report or thesis. Each student will conduct research under the supervision of an advisor. The student must submit a written proposal describing the report or thesis for approval by the graduate committee and will give a brief public presentation on the project. The completed report or thesis will be examined by a committee of at least three faculty members including one from outside of the program.

Generally, theses and reports are linked to work done during a student's internship, a funded research project, or another topic of special interest to the student. The master's report (3 credits) identifies and represents the student's major area of interest and concentration, and demonstrates the student's competence in that area. The thesis (6 credits) is designed to demonstrate the student's grasp of a complex problem in environmental management or policy through original research. The these and reports of our students have often led to external publication.

Private sector employment opportunities are typically in policy-related positions of manufacturing corporations and large engineering firms. Industrial firms require technical professionals who are also trained to participate in regulatory hearings, policy-related conferences, and public meetings; and national business leaders have reported a need for managers possessing technical proficiency blended with an understanding of policy development, decision-making, and the interests of community groups and members.

The public sector recognizes the need for environmental managers with broad interdisciplinary training in both policy processes and social or natural sciences. Federal regulatory agencies and international environmental organizations often engage with community-based groups and must address citizens’ needs outside of the mandated, formal hearing process. State agencies, such as the Michigan Department of the Environment and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, are also active in local communities.

Situated between the demands of national and international environmental policies and the needs of local communities and businesses, state environmental offices are in a unique position to mediate the sociopolitical demands of many stakeholders in disputes. County, city, and tribal governments in the Great Lakes region must respond to new environmental programs and policies. Graduates holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering, social science, or natural science combined with a professional degree in environmental and energy policy are very attractive candidates for local positions.

Nonprofit organizations and consulting firms need technically trained policy and environmental specialists. This sector is an important source of employment for graduates of environmental and energy policy programs. As lobbyists and public education organizations, nonprofits often mediate between large questions of public policy and the environmental concerns of everyday citizens.

Our MS program provides excellent preparation for an advanced degree. Many of our MS graduates have gone on to PhD programs—including our own—as well as law school programs, sometimes after working with a public or private organization. We support students in the development of indispensable research skills and in finding and transitioning into a top-quality degree program of the want to continue their education elsewhere.

• Environmental consulting firms
• Industrial Firms
• Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
• US Environmental Protection Agency
• USDA Forest Service
• United Nations Environment Programme
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Nonprofit organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund and Trustees for Alaska
• Numerous Universities