Environmental Studies

Overview

An environmental studies graduate degree program that spans science, policy, management, sustainability, resilience and adaptation, and many more fields

The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program at the University of Pennsylvania offers rigorous, Ivy League academics in environmental studies and exceptional opportunities to conduct research in the field. In addition, you gain the industry connections and individualized professional development you need to take on today's environmental challenges and excel in your work, whether as a researcher, policy advocate, management consultant, or executive.

Built with flexibility in mind, you can choose from a variety of concentrations or create your own—all with the guidance of our world-class faculty and built upon the foundation of Ivy League courses. Many of our distinguished professors also influence practices outside the University, bringing their experience and broad networks from the worlds of scientific research, sustainability, policy, resilience and adaptation planning, and management into the classroom. Our working students find meaningful ways to blend their graduate school and professional work by partnering with faculty to design projects and research that tackle real-world environmental challenges from their workplace.

The heart of the Master of Environmental Studies program is the passion of our students and faculty to create change in the world, from helping to preserve habitats to implementing energy-efficient policies to planning for climate change at the local and national levels.

Career paths for Master of Environmental Studies graduates

Graduates of Penn’s Master of Environmental Studies program have entered a myriad of roles and industries around the world—scientific researcher, conservationist, and global corporate sustainability manager to name a few.