Dual Degree: Master of Environmental Studies

Program Profile: The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) Program offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the environment aimed at providing 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.  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. 

Student Profile: MES students have wide-ranging interests and diverse academic, professional and personal backgrounds.  Students in the program are engaged in a vibrant community of researchers and practitioners in the physical, biological and social sciences, economics, and other arts and sciences disciplines, as well as with professionals in planning, health care and the law.

Curriculum: Students complete twelve required course units which include a proseminar entitled Contemporary Issues in Environmental Studies, foundation courses, and courses in a chosen area of professional concentration. The proseminar course acquaints students with issues, debates and current knowledge in the study of the environment. Foundation courses cover diverse areas such as Environmental Biology, Environmental History, and Environmental Law. Students identify their own professional concentration or choose from areas including but not limited to: Environmental Advocacy & Outreach, Environmental Policy and Resource Management. To earn the degree, students also complete an independent research Capstone project with a faculty advisor. The Capstone is an independent, one-semester research exercise that demonstrates the student's mastery of his chosen field.

Program Length: One to two years of full-time study.

Application: Applications must contain all of the following in order to be considered complete:

• Completed application
• Current resume
• Non-refundable application fee of $70.00 (Make checks payable to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania)
• Application essays
• Official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended
• Score reports for standardized tests, if applicable
• Two letters of recommendation

Click here for more detailed information on these requirements.

Tuition: Approximate tuition costs for the 12 course units in this program are $52,250. Click here for more detailed information