Program Directors
- John D. Spengler, PhD
Director; Akira Yamaguchi Professor of Environmental Health and Human Habitation, Harvard School of Public Health - George D. Buckley, MS
Assistant Director
See Also
- Read an Alumni Bulletin article about a pollution study two students did on the MBTA for class.
This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
Overview
The environmental management program is designed to educate future leaders on the two core environmental issues facing the global community: ecological management and sustainability.
Ecology management deals with stewardship of the natural and built environment. Your work might focus on wetland protection, air and water pollution, or global climate change. Sustainability is the process that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable initiatives include green construction, and waste and energy management.
Master of Liberal Arts in Environmental Management Curriculum Summary
As a degree candidate, you pursue either a thesis or capstone track.
Thesis track. You complete nine courses (three core courses, a proseminar, an ecology course, and four electives) and a master’s thesis that analyzes and assesses significant environmental management issues concerning air, water, climate, sustainability, and ecosystems.
Capstone track. You complete 11 courses (three core courses, an ecology course, a sustainability course, and six electives) and a capstone course.
For both tracks, you must also demonstrate your analytical skills by passing a statistics course or a waiver exam. You may focus your studies on sustainability or ecology management by choosing your electives from those subject areas.
Online and on-campus options. You can earn the degree through any combination of online and on-campus courses, although there is a minimum residency requirement of one on-campus-only course. This may be ENVR E-200 or the capstone course.
See Degree Requirements.
Certificate in Environmental Management Curriculum Summary
To earn the certificate, you take eight courses: three core courses, an ecology course, and four electives. This academically challenging program can be completed entirely online.
Getting Started: Admission to a Program
We consider success in prerequisite coursework at Harvard Extension School to be a key predictor of success in the program. Thus, to apply you must have completed three courses from the program curriculum, including ENVR E-101, and earned at least a B in each. Upon admission, these courses count toward the program. Read about admission criteria and how to apply in Admission.