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Register for fall courses now through September 21.
Spotlight: Cape Cod Field Trip
Environmental studies students explore coastal environments with instructor George Buckley.
Master’s Degree in Environmental Management
Designed for students with experience in environmental fields, the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Environmental Management allows you to explore the most critical environmental issues facing the global community. Develop sound strategies for the management of air, land, and water resources and examine issues concerning climate, ecosystems, and sustainable design that have significant impact in communities.
Degree Requirements
To earn the ALM in Environmental Management, meet the following requirements.
- Fulfill the requirements for your chosen track (see information below about choosing tracks):
- Thesis track—nine courses and a thesis (40 credits):
- Three core courses
- The proseminar ENVR E-200 (taken after the completion of six courses)
- An ecology course (with permission of the assistant director, you may substitute this course with another elective if you can demonstrate a substantial background in ecology)
- Four electives, either on a general or specialized degree track
- A master’s thesis
- Capstone track—11 courses and a capstone course (48 credits):
- Three core courses
- An ecology course (with permission of the assistant director, you may substitute this course with another elective if you can demonstrate a substantial background in ecology)
- A sustainability course (ENVR E-105)
- Six electives, either on a general or specialized degree track
- A capstone
- Thesis track—nine courses and a thesis (40 credits):
- Demonstrate your analytical skills by completing STAT E-50 for undergraduate or graduate credit with a grade of B– or higher or by passing the waiver exam. The course does not count toward the degree, and the requirement must be met before you register for the proseminar or capstone course. The waiver exam is only for students with prior coursework in statistics. If you do not pass, you must enroll in a statistics course. To set up an appointment to take the exam, contact Stephen Blinn at em@dcemail.harvard.edu.
- Meet the residency requirement of one on-campus-only course.
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Earn a grade of B– or higher in each course (B or higher in the three required for admission) and maintain a 3.0 GPA in courses taken for graduate credit at Harvard Extension School, Summer School, or the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). See Academic Standing and Enrollment.
- Complete six of the total courses with Harvard-affiliated instructors. The master’s thesis counts as one course with a Harvard-affiliated instructor.
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Complete all requirements within five years of the date of admission or, if the application is delayed, the date of completion of the third prerequisite course. If you are unable to complete the degree within five years, you are retired from the program.
Selecting Courses
To see how current course offerings fulfill requirements, use the degree course search.
Choosing Between the Thesis and Capstone Tracks
To create meaningful learning experiences for a diverse group of students, the program offers two tracks.
The thesis track provides solid preparation for advanced study (for example, environmental law and PhD programs) and careers in consulting, research, and policy. For the thesis, you work independently with a thesis director on a project of your own design that is well grounded in academic literature on environmental management.
The capstone track involves additional coursework and a capstone project to help you build your professional skills in the field. The capstone course, modeled after typical career endeavors, involves working individually or in teams to complete a professional project in environmental management, media, or education.
You are encouraged to meet with the assistant director, George Buckley, to discuss the benefits of each option.
Learn more about the thesis and capstone requirements.
