Environmental Studies, MES

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Proseminar Course (1 CU)

The Proseminar course introduces students to critical issues that we face in the environment and the evidence-informed approaches used to understand and address them. Students are equipped with a solid grounding in the key concepts related to environmental issues and the skills needed to solve environmental problems. This course also forms the foundation for the development of the Capstone project proposal.

Data Analytics Course (1 CU)

Effective data analysis and the ability to make data-driven decisions are integral to professional careers in the environmental sector. The data analytics course provides students with an opportunity to gain expertise in an area of data analytics relevant to their professional goals. The requirement can be fulfilled by taking one of the data analytics courses offered in the MES program or an approved data analytics course from other programs.

Capstone Seminar (1 CU)

The Capstone project is the culmination of the Master of Environmental Studies program, blending academic and professional experiences and serving to emphasize the skills and knowledge developed in the program. Students work on the Capstone throughout the program, and the Capstone Seminar course takes students through the process of writing and completing the project as a demonstration of mastery of their concentration area.

Foundation Courses (4 CU)

Foundation courses help broaden students’ knowledge in areas of environmental studies outside of their chosen concentration, and complement their chosen field. For example, if they are studying sustainability, their foundation course credits are an opportunity to learn about environmental law and policy, or build understanding of climate adaptation approaches, which will be necessary while working in the sustainability sector. Foundation courses allow students to make connections between different sectors and offer the opportunity to discover unexpected synergies and resonances in fields beyond their own. Foundation courses must be ENVS or EESC courses. 

Professional Concentration Courses (5 CU)

While foundation courses give students a broad understanding of environmental issues, the professional concentration courses help develop the expertise needed to pursue a career in a sub field of environmental studies.

Concentration courses may be taken in any of the 12 graduate Schools at the University (School of Engineering and Applied Science, Graduate School of Education, School of Design, School of Social Policy & Practice, The Wharton School of Business, Penn Law, etc.). Students work with an assigned academic adviser to select courses that best fit individual goals and skills gaps. Students choose from the following concentrations:

• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Policy
• Environmental Resilience and Adaptation
• Environmental Sustainability
• Resource Management
• Urban Environment

If the student’s professional aspirations are not reflected in one of the above concentrations, they can develop an Individualized concentration in conjunction with their academic adviser and with the approval of the Faculty Advisory Committee.

Time Frame

Master of Environmental Studies students may enroll on either a part-time or full-time basis. Time to graduation will vary depending on how many classes are taken each semester and whether summer classes are taken. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, taking three or four classes per semester. Part-time students typically complete their work in three to four years, taking one or two classes per semester. Individuals working full time are advised to take no more than two courses per term.