Master of Environmental Studies
The interaction between humans and the environment is not a purely scientific matter. Questions of politics, economics, ethics, religion and culture also come into play. Recognizing this, the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) Program offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the environment. Courses are offered across the University, offering viewpoints not only from the natural sciences, but also from the social and biomedical sciences, humanities, engineering, law and business.
Advanced study of the environment at Penn brings together researchers and practitioners in the physical, biological and social sciences, economics, and other arts and sciences disciplines with professionals in planning, health care and the law. This multidisciplinary approach provides graduates with the breadth necessary to address the complex nature of the environment as well as the depth to provide specific expertise in environmental restoration and protection.
You can earn a graduate degree in environmental studies without interrupting your career. This 12-course program can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis in just two to four years. Both day and evening classes are available. Not only can you make your own schedule, you can also design your own course of study. Working closely with faculty and advisors, you will choose from hundreds of classes across the University to build a program that matches your own unique interests and goals.
The Institute for Environmental Studies (IES) at Penn draws these individuals into a focused intellectual community which forms an academic base for the graduate program in Environmental Studies. The Master of Environmental Studies degree is offered by the School of Arts and Sciences in cooperation with the Institute for Environmental Studies. The degree is administered by the College of General Studies.