Overview

The Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University is an intensive professional degree designed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public policy. Students engage with a curriculum that emphasises the practical application of environmental science within various organisational and governmental frameworks.

This multidisciplinary programme prepares graduates to tackle complex ecological challenges by integrating physical sciences with social science perspectives. The academic structure ensures that participants develop the technical expertise and management skills necessary to lead environmental initiatives in the public and private sectors.

Why Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University?

The programme is distinguished by its accelerated format, allowing students to complete their advanced studies within a single year. Based in New York City, the university provides a unique urban laboratory for studying environmental issues and offers access to a vast network of international policy experts and scientific researchers.

Students benefit from the resources of the School of International and Public Affairs and the Earth Institute. This partnership ensures a curriculum that is both scientifically grounded and politically relevant, fostering a learning environment where academic theory meets real-world environmental problem-solving.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 98250 per full
National fee: USD 98250 per full
Local fee: USD 98250 per full

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on core scientific principles and their direct application to policy-making processes. Modules may include:

Environmental Chemistry
Hydrology
Climatology
Toxicology
Ecology
Economics of Sustainable Development
Environmental Policy and Management
Quantitative Analysis
Ethics and Public Policy

Careers with Environmental Science and Policy

Graduates are equipped for leadership roles across a diverse range of sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organisations, and international corporations. The programme prepares individuals for careers as policy analysts, environmental consultants, and sustainability directors.

Alumni often secure positions in urban planning, conservation management, and renewable energy development. The skills acquired during the course enable professionals to translate complex scientific data into actionable strategies that influence environmental legislation and corporate responsibility on a global scale.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Principles of Ecology
Urban Ecology
Climatology
Hydrology
Environmental Chemistry
Analytics in Environmental Science and Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Environmental Economics & Policy Environmental Sciences View 133 other Masters in Environmental Economics & Policy in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The MPA-ESP program has the following admissions requirements:

Students must show English proficiency
Official Transcripts
GRE Test Scores (Optional)
Professional Resume
Quantitative Resume
3 Letters of Recommendation
Personal Essay
Video Question
Application Fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

98250 USD / year

≈ 98250 USD / year
Out-of-State

98250 USD / year

≈ 98250 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

98250 USD / year

≈ 98250 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Environmental Science and Policy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Environmental Science and Policy

About

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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