Degrees Offered: Master of Science in Environmental Policy Studies, Ph.D. in Environmental Science (Policy Concentration)

The Graduate Program in Environmental Policy Studies focuses on the role of the social sciences in the development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental policy. Building on the strengths of a technological university, students take a series of foundation courses (Tier One) in environmental social science, environmental science, research methods, and economics. Advanced courses (Tier Two) build on this initial framework and provide extensions in specific applications in environmental law, energy policy, and a selection of advanced topics.

The faculty is multidisciplinary with strengths in environmental social science, economics, geography, and law. Graduates of the program have secured employment in both the public and private sectors including with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, regional planning commissions, local community development programs, and engineering and planning firms. Graduates have also entered doctoral- level programs in environmental science, policy, and law.

The Ph.D. in Environmental Science (Policy Concentration) is offered by the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science of which the Graduate Program in Environmental Policy is a constituent part. Successful environmental policies must rest on the development of reliable models for assessing change to the biophysical environment in the presence of human action. The Department offers a research-oriented doctoral degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Policy. The program emphasis is on the integration of environmental and social sciences to develop more effective responses to contemporary problems of resource management. For more information about degree requirements, please visit the website of the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science.

The Master of Science in Environmental Policy Studies is designed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire skills in the methods and tools used in environmental problem solving and policy analysis. The Program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Courses are offered both online and on a face-to-face basis.

Admission Requirements:
The following criteria are applied when considering an applicant for admission to the program:

• An undergraduate degree in earth sciences (e.g. physical geography, geology, meteorology, ecology), social sciences (e.g. human geography, economics, sociology), engineering (e.g. environmental, civil, chemical) or another related discipline.

• An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and at least 3.5 in major field (on a scale of 4.0).

• A minimum of one semester of statistics at the undergraduate level; an advanced statistics course at the undergraduate level is highly desirable.

• A combined GRE score (verbal and quantitative) of at least 1100

The following materials must be submitted to be considered for admission:

• Application for Admission to Graduate Study form

• MS-EPS Supplemental Materials form

• Official transcripts of all prior work and certificate of graduation

• Personal statement (two to three pages)

• Three letters of recommendation

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

• International students are required to pass the TOEFL at 550 (pencil and paper), 213 (computer based) or above.

Degree Requirements
Students are required to complete a total of 30 graduate course credits: 18 credits of required core courses and 12 credits of elective application courses.

The Graduate Program in Environmental Policy Studies offers a regular series of special topics courses and students may also enroll in courses offered by other departments. The website Green@NJIT offers a comprehensive list of options. The selection of elective application courses is made in consultation with the Program Director.

Students may select to write a 6-credit thesis in lieu of two elective application courses and this work is normally completed over two sequential semesters. Preparation of the thesis is conducted under the supervision of an advisor and presented to a three-member committee. Subject to approval by the Program Director, students also have the option to substitute up to two sections (6 credits) of independent study under faculty direction in place of elective application courses.

Various - Four Electives (12 Credits)