The Course of Study
Normally the course of study consists of:
- ENVS1350 (Fall semester) or ENVS1410 (Spring semester) (may be exempted if a student has taken a comparable course).
ENVS1350 - Environmental Economics and Policy — applies ideas from decision theory to the regulation and management of environmental problems. We are particularly concerned with problems of uncertainty, evaluation, and conflicts of interest. For uncertainty we contrast Bayesian and classical statistical approaches. For evaluation we consider the foundations and limitations of cost-benefit analysis. For conflicts of interest we introduce game theoretic concepts of prisoners' dilemma and tragedy of the commons. We discuss how science (uncertainty) and policy (valuation) fit into the decision theoretic framework. Some background in calculus and/or statistics is helpful.
ENVS1410 - Environmental Law and Policy — This course critically examines problems arising from the changing relationship between science, and the formation and implementation of environmental policy in the United States. The history of environmental regulation and the current distribution of policy-making authority are considered in order to establish a framework for examining the role of science, scientists and scientific uncertainty in policy formation. The use of science by the lay public, special interests and the courts to influence the policy process are considered. Case studies involving contemporary resource and environmental management problems are used to focus discussion of these issues. (Spring Semester) - ENVS2010 - Special Topics in Environmental Studies — This seminar is intended for entering graduate students in Environmental Studies. A local environmental issue will be chosen each year for the seminar focus. Each student will have responsibility for researching an important issue related to this theme, presenting it to the seminar and writing a significant paper about it. Written permission required. (Fall Semester)
- Four courses selected to support your particular interests and goals. Brown courses numbered 1000 and above carry graduate credit. You should choose your individual four-course program in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, your mentor or thesis supervisor. These courses should form a coherent group and provide support for thesis research. If you do not have proficiency in economic analysis, ecological principles, and policy processes, additional courses in these areas may be required. In special cases, courses numbered under 1000 may be taken for graduate credit with permission of the instructor and on completion of additional work. In such cases, it is the student's responsibility to indicate to the Registrar at the time of registration that the course is for graduate credit.
- Teaching experience, either as an assistant in an undergraduate course, or as an instructor in a course organized and taught under the close supervision of a faculty member is desirable. The Center for Environmental Studies will make every effort to provide the opportunity for such experience.
- ENVS2980 and 2981 Reading and Research — The thesis is the keystone of the MA program. Its purpose is not only to develop research and writing skills but also to integrate the coursework. It should demonstrate an advanced knowledge of some aspect of environmental science and/or policy. While there is not a single model for a successful thesis, we encourage you to integrate science and policy as needed to analyze and propose action on an issue of environmental significance. We emphasize that, while you are identifying an appropriate thesis topic (with the assistance of your faculty mentor), the chosen topic must lie within the interests and capabilities of the faculty. See the Guidelines for the Master of Arts Thesis for a more complete description.
Full time students that matriculate in the fall semester take three courses each of their first two semesters, two their third semester and none their fourth: - Fall first year: 2 electives and ENVS2010
- Spring first year: 2 electives and ENVS2980 (during this semester each student is expected to prepare a thesis proposal)
- Fall second year: 1 elective and ENVS2981 (thesis preparation)
- Spring second year: ENVS2990
- Auditing courses: Full time students may formally audit one course every semester. Formal audits are listed on your transcript.