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Graduate Programs

Degrees - What Graduate Degrees are Offered?

The Department of Environmental Science and Policy provides educational opportunities for students at the doctoral level (PhD), graduate level (MS - four concentrations) and a graduate certificate program jointly offered with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR).

Further information is also available online from the University Catalog page for Environmental Science & Policy.

Doctoral Degree

The PhD provides students the opportunity to pursue an in-depth, focused interest through coursework and research. The degree serves as strong preparation for a career in academia, government, NGOs, think tanks, or the private sector. Doctoral students work with faculty in each of ESP's three divisions: Biocomplexity and Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Environmental Policy and Social Sciences.

Deadline for application is Feb. 15.

For additional information about the doctoral degree, please click here.

Master's Degree

The Master of Science in Environmental Science & Policy trains students to understand the scientific basis of environmental problems, as well as the social, political and economic factors that shape appropriate policy responses. The student can choose a project master's degree that leads to professional credentials or a thesis master's degree that that offers greater specialization and serves as preparation for doctoral study. Students can also select the Master of Environmental Management concentration which prepares students for work in the environmental field, but without the thesis or project. This concentration has enhanced coursework.

Concentrations offered for the MS-EVSP degree are as follows:

  • Environmental Science and Policy (EVSP)
  • Environmental Biocomplexity (EVBC)
  • Earth Surface Processes and Environmental Geochemistry (ESEG)
  • Environmental Management (EVMG)

For specific requirements of the individual concentrations, please click here.

The deadline for all graduate degree applications is Feb. 15 for fall enrollment and Oct. 1 for spring enrollment.

Graduate Certificate in Environmental Conflict Resolution and Collaboration

The Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy (ESP) and the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) have established a 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Environmental Conflict Resolution and Collaboration beginning in August 2009. This program has been developed in collaboration with Dr. E. Frank Dukes of the Institute for Environmental Negotiation at the University of Virginia, and in consultation with an informal advisory group of environmental leaders in the region.

For additional informtion about this graduate certificate, click here.

Nondegree Program in Environmental Science & Policy

The Nondegree Program is an excellent option for guests from other institutions and lifelong learners who have no immediate degree objective at George Mason.

For information about the Nondegree Program, click here.

Contact for additional information about any of ESP's graduate programs, contact:

Sharon Bloomquist
Graduate Coordinator
3039 David J. King Hall
703-993-3187
E-mail