Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy

The Environmental Science and Policy degree equips students with substantive breadth in knowledge and skills at the intersection of environmental science and policy.

17%

Employment in master’s-level occupations is projected to grow by almost 17 percent from 2016 to 2026, the fastest of any education level. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

20%

A master’s degree holder can expect to earn an average of 20 percent more than someone who has only earned their bachelor’s degree. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).

Earn your Master's in Environmental Science and Policy

The Master of Science Environmental Science and Policy, a joint program between the College of Science and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities’ School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, provides interdisciplinary training and environmental problem-solving expertise to the next generation of environmental professionals. The program emphasizes a broadly interdisciplinary and synthetic approach that integrates knowledge in the environmental sciences (conservation biology, climate change, fisheries science, ecosystem function, biodiversity, restoration ecology) with the social sciences (policy, economics, sociology, political science, and development) and humanities (environmental history, philosophy, and ethics). The goal of the program is to equip professionals with substantive breadth in knowledge and skills at the intersection of environmental science and policy. The program focuses on training students to think critically about the underlying causes of environmental problems and understanding the reciprocal relationships between coupled human-natural ecosystems and the interconnections between social and technological innovations. The program explores practical approaches and potential solutions that decision-makers need to evaluate in policy debates related to promoting environmental sustainability.

Need more flexibility?

We also offer a MS in Marine Biology, and a PhD program. Learn more here.

Commitment

1.5 years (with optional experiential co-op opportunity)
Full-time & part-time offerings
On-campus in Boston

How to Apply

Learn more about the application process and requirements here.

Financing

Total tuition for the program is $59,600 (This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2020-2021 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition.)

We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

Learn more about financing your education here.

Application Deadlines

Fall Domestic: August 1st
Spring Domestic: December 1st
Fall International: June 1st
Spring International: October 1st
International currently on a F1 visa in the US:
- Fall: July 15th
- Spring: October 31st

Requirements

Online application
Application fee
All transcripts
Personal statement
Resumé
2 letters of recommendation
English language proficiency
GRE not required

International Students

Find out what additional documents are required to apply here.

Environmental Science and Policy career paths

The Master of Science Environmental Science and Policy requires 36 credits for completion. Students take nine classes across three semesters. In addition, there are two required seminar classes, two skills classes, and two department-based electives. Students are then able to take three interdisciplinary courses from any college at Northeastern. This opportunity gives learners the chance to expand their horizons and apply environmental science and policy to various disciplines and future career paths.