A 100% Online, 30-Credit Interdisciplinary Master’s for a Greener Future

Find yourself at the forefront of sustainability with our Sustainable Environmental Planning and Management focus within the Master of Energy and Environmental Management (MEEM) program.

This interdisciplinary program equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to address the growing demand for expertise in the 'green jobs' sector and beyond. You'll learn how ecological, social, economic, and political systems interact, and gain practical tools for effective environmental decision-making and management, ensuring you're prepared and confident for your future career.

If you have the passion to create a more sustainable future, this is the program that can help you develop the skills to lead the way.

Focused Courses in Sustainable Environmental Action

Our curriculum is designed to provide you with a robust foundation in the principles and practices of sustainable environmental planning and management. More importantly, it equips you with practical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge that are directly applicable in the real world.

• Decision Methods in Natural Resources and the Environment: Examines structured decision-making, adaptive resource management, risk and uncertainty management, and the evaluation of outcomes.
• Communications for Environmental Decision Makers: Focuses on effective communication techniques for diverse audiences, including conflict resolution, negotiation, and advocacy.
• Geospatial Techniques for Environmental Management: Introduces the collection, management, display, and analysis of geospatial data for environmental applications.
• Sustainable Use of Ocean Resources: Examines the marine environment, associated environmental and socioeconomic issues, and strategies for sustainable use.
• Sustainability Leadership in Organizations: Explores organizational strategies for adopting sustainability practices and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
• Python Scripting for Geospatial Analysis: Develops GIS scripting skills in Python for advanced geospatial data processing and analysis.

 

Along with the required plan of study that consists of 12 credits of core courses, you will have the opportunity to explore courses in other areas that interest you.

Explore Courses

 

Earn a Master’s and Graduate Certificate Simultaneously 

By fulfilling the requirements of the MEEM degree and completing all course requirements for the Sustainable Environmental Planning and Management Certificate, you can earn both a master’s degree and a graduate certificate from the University of Connecticut.

Careers in a Growing Green Economy 

The 'green jobs' industry is experiencing rapid growth, creating strong demand for professionals with expertise in sustainable environmental planning and management. This concentration prepares you for diverse career opportunities in roles such as:

• Environmental Analysts and Consultants
• Refuge Managers
• Conservation Directors, Managers, and Planners
• Sustainability Program Managers/Project Leaders
• Environmental Educator
• Renewable Energy Consultants
• Green Building Project Manager
• Natural Resource Manager
• Environmental Assessor
• Environmental Planner
• Land Use Planner
• Urban Planner
• Conservation Planner
• Energy Resource Mapping Specialist
• Site Planning Specialist
• Sustainability Director
• Environmental Consultant
• Land Trust Administrator
• Energy Transmission Director

Graduates will be ready to actively contribute to strategic planning, manage environmental resources, and implement sustainable practices in various organizational settings.

The Expanding Importance of Sustainable Practices 

Looking ahead, the need for sustainable environmental planning and management will only intensify. Addressing changes in weather and extreme events, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation requires skilled professionals who can integrate ecological understanding with social, economic, and political realities.

This field will continue to evolve, demanding innovative approaches to resource management, policy development, and organizational sustainability. Professionals in this area will be crucial in guiding the transition towards a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.

Your Next Steps 

Are you ready to focus on sustainable environmental planning and management as part of our Master's in Energy and Environmental Management program?

Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date concerning program developments -- and contact us to discuss your professional goals and learn more about how this program can help you reach them.