Master of Science in Environmental Management

The Master of Science in Environmental Management is designed for graduate students and working professionals who seek or hold careers in the environmental field. The goal of this science-based management program is to enhance and broaden the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands and changes of the environmental marketplace - in public agencies and government bodies, the consulting sector, and industry.

The University of San Francisco founded its Master of Science in Environmental Management program over 25 years ago. Since then, graduates from the program have established a wide variety of environmental careers and organizations in the United States and throughout the world.

The Environmental Management program at USF has two components. First, a series of courses provide the essential skills and foundations of environmental management. In addition, the graduate student prepares and completes a Master's Project with a practical application to the environmental field. A thesis option is also available.

The program provides the necessary background to analyze, assess, and manage a wide range of environmental issues, including practical applications to environmental problems. Courses cover the scientific, technical, regulatory, and public policy knowledge related to problems of air and water quality, solid and hazardous waste, land and resource use decisions, sustainability, and human and ecological health issues.

To meet the needs of both graduate students and full-time working professionals, most classes meet on Saturdays. Some courses are also taught during the week. The Master's Project is developed with a faculty advisor and in a seminar-style discussion group with fellow graduate students.

Experience in the environmental management field is an important part of the MSEM graduate program. Most students currently hold positions in the field. For those students who do not hold a position, it is strongly recommended that they endeavor to find a paid position or internship.

Domestic and International Programs

The University of San Francisco offers its Environmental Management graduate program at the main campus in San Francisco, as well as in international cooperative programs with universities in Manila, Philippines and Xiamen, China. Please visit the MSEM web page at http://www.usfca.edu/msem for more information about the international cooperative programs, including curricula.

Building Careers and Professional Networks

Graduates of USF's Environmental Management program have established careers with a wide range of employers in the environmental field, including:

• Apple Computer, Inc.
• Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission
• Bechtel Group, Inc.
• California Air Resources Board
• California Public Utilities Commission
• California Environmental Protection Agency
• California State Department of Transportation
• California State Water Quality Control Board
• Chevron USA
• CH2MHill, Inc.
• Environmental Science Associates
• Genentech
• General Services Administration
• Hewlett-Packard Company
• IBM Corporation
• International Technologies
• Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
• Lawrence Livermore Laboratory
• NASA/Ames Research Center
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• National Semiconductor, Inc.
• Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
• Palo Alto Water Division
• San Francisco City Department of the Environment
• San Francisco Estuary Project
• Shell Oil Company
• Tetra Tech, Inc.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• U.S. Attorney General's Office
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Varian Instruments
• Waste Management, Inc.

Learning Goals/Outcomes for the M.S. in Environmental Management

• Demonstrate an understanding of an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the relationships and interactions of human beings with the natural world.
• Utilize principles and processes of the natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities to provide both theoretical and applied understanding of managing environmental issues.
• Demonstrate understanding of environmental management tools, techniques, and technologies designed to meet the demands of industry, government, and the consulting sector regarding the protection of the environment and the fulfillment of environmental regulations.
• Communicate skillfully through written reports and oral presentations of environmental management issues.
• Critically analyze impacts, both actual and potential, of human activity on the environment and their prevention and mitigation.

To learn more:

• Please see Environmental Management Course Descriptions.
• Please see Environmental Management Program.
• Request Information
• Apply Online