Coursework

Students must take all core courses and at least 6 credits of skills courses. This leaves room for 3 electives throughout the program.

The MS-EIA Capstone Program offers students the opportunity to bridge theory and practice by working on a real-world consulting project in environmental policy. As the final experience of the MS-EIA program, the capstone is designed for students to apply academic research, analytical skills, and policy knowledge in collaboration with client organizations. The capstone program consists of two main components.

• In the Global Capstone Seminar during the spring term, students engage in discussions on research methods, project structure, and effective communication strategies. They receive feedback from peers, faculty, and clients to refine their research approach, ensuring alignment with client needs and practical feasibility. This seminar is crucial for setting a solid foundation before entering the intensive research phase.
• The Global Capstone Course takes place over the summer term and serves as the primary research and analysis phase. Students are assigned to teams to conduct in-depth examinations of contemporary environmental issues, controversies, or policy challenges. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, each team develops a set of policy recommendations tailored to the needs of their client, which may range from government agencies and think tanks to NGOs and international organizations. Summer fieldwork, including travel, is encouraged but not required, with limited funding available for approved international projects.

Concentrations

Students in this program have the opportunity to go beyond the core curriculum and develop expertise in a specific area related to environmental and energy challenges by choosing one of three concentrations. These concentrations cater to students’ academic interests and career goals, preparing them for specialized roles in various employment sectors. Alternatively, they have the option to develop a personalized concentration in consultation with the program director.

1. Global Sustainable Energy Technology & Policy

This concentration provides students with the knowledge base and tools to identify the implications of energy policy choices and to pathways to a sustainable energy future. Pictured: sample curriculum.

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2. Global Environmental Science and Policy

This concentration provides students with a background in the environmental sciences including atmospheric and oceans science and the implications for global environmental change. 

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3. Environmental Science and International Security

This concentration provides students with an understanding of food, energy and water insecurity and their impact on the global landscape.

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Representative Electives and Skills Courses
*Pending availability

Electives are chosen based on the student’s concentration.

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Secure a meaningful career with a positive impact on people and the planet through this flexible yet rigorous interdisciplinary degree from Georgetown University.

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