St. Edward's University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Professional Science Master's in Environmental Management and Sustainability

Format: Campus

Program Description:

This intensive, two-year, full-time program is a joint degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and the Université Catholique de l'Ouest in Angers, France. In the Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Environmental Management and Sustainability program, you will use quantitative methods and analytical tools to manage natural and urban environments. You will learn the fundamentals of ecological theory and project management including scope definition, work planning, and resource and risk management, along with human relations skills such as effectively communicating, mentoring and negotiating. Project management software will be used to help plan, execute, monitor and control a project in ecological research.

The program strikes a balance between theoretical lessons and practical application using mathematical modeling and quantitative statistical methods to explore alternative natural resource management scenarios. Students explore topics such as the impact of urban development on ecosystem health and services as they propose and test hypotheses for the abundance and distribution of organisms. Coursework includes case studies, site visits and peer learning networks.

As a graduate of this program, you’ll have an international perspective on sustainable development. In the first year, students complete a research project in Texas that verifies one of the major theories discussed in courses through field experiments. During their second year, students study the Loire Valley, France, where they will conduct thesis level research related to conservation and ecological management in a real-world setting.

Industry and agencies seek scientists with project management skills, and graduates of this program will be in high demand. This program trains future managers in the ecology of natural resources, urban ecology, environmental management, business and project management. Job roles for graduates include planning and implementation of resource management for public agencies, helping corporations develop and implement sustainable practices, analyzing how well a private agricultural firm’s policies meet sustainability standards, and overseeing new urban construction projects to minimize environmental impact.

Graduates can pursue a variety of positions such as environmental studies manager, eco-advisor for environmental and urban planning, or sustainable development manager, or they can serve as consultants for private firms, such as construction and architectural companies.
Course Preview:

PSM in Environmental Management and Sustainability majors take courses from these groups:

FIRST-YEAR COURSES
Students spend their first year in Austin, Texas, where they take courses that include Optimization in Ecology, Principles of Project Management and Applied Research. All courses are taught in English.

SECOND-YEAR COURSES
Students spend their second year in Angers, France, at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest and the Institut de Biologie et d’Écologie Appliquée, where they take courses that include Sustainable Development, Environmental Pollution Biomonitoring and Urban Ecology/Sustainable Cities. All courses are taught in English.

St. Edward’s University has partnered with the Université Catholique de l’Ouest in Angers, France, a prestigious university that includes the Institut de Biologie et d’Écologie Appliquée (IBEA). IBEA promotes research and training activities in biology, environmental science and sustainable development with access to state-of-the-art educational facilities and equipment. With its strong expertise in the ecotoxicology and the aquatic ecosystems fields, IBEA is a leader, manager and adviser to many international programs.

INTERNSHIP
Your studies will culminate in a required internship in which you’ll plan, conduct and evaluate scientific work in an external environment. Choose an issue related to sustainability and collaborate with a corporation, research institute or government entity to seek solutions. The internship will take place in the last semester of the program in France or abroad.

Accreditation:

St. Edward’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

# of Credits Required:

36

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

1058 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities II

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 5,000 - 9,999