Urban Environmental Systems Management M.S.

Program Mission

The mission of the Urban Environmental Systems Management program is to provide an innovative,  professional development education to a diverse student body.  Students learn the interdisciplinary skills needed to assess contemporary environmental issues; catalyze innovative environmental problem solving; uphold environmental and social justice; and engage diverse stakeholders in designing and developing sustainable plans, policies and communities.  Graduates are prepared to take on a range of roles as policy analysts, sustainability consultants, low impact developers, researchers and advocates, collaborating with environmental scientists, policymakers and communities.

In response to the environmental challenges of the 21st century, including climate change, public and private sectors worldwide are seeking to "green" their practices. Today there is an increasing demand for environmental professionals who have a holistic understanding of the complex interactions that lead to environmental problems and are able to collaborate with multiple disciplines to identify and implement sustainable best practices. Pratt Institute's Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment is proud to offer a redesigned 40 credit Master of Science in Urban Environmental Systems Management.  By combining a foundation of theoretical and technical core courses with innovative mini-courses, Pratt offers a uniquely comprehensive curriculum that fosters exposure to "cutting edge" practicing professionals.

Learning Objectives

Through their studies in the Urban Environmental Systems Management program, students will:

• Develop the ability to assess and critically examine environmental issues related to water and air quality, solid waste management, urban energy systems and building performance.
• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of the legal, economic and regulatory framework of federal, state and New York City environmental policy and review.
• Learn stakeholder engagement and uphold social and environmental justice while demonstrating the ability to engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary, environmental problem solving.
• Develop an understanding of sustainable community development.
• Design sustainable environmental policies and plans with verifiable indicators and metrics.
• Understand and argue the cost of environmental externalities associated with current economic policy and development.
• Develop a baseline level of technical proficiency and professional communication skills: written, oral and visual.

Degree Requirements

Applicants should have received a bachelor's degree in a scientific, analytical, or technical field. They must submit a writing sample or portfolio, depending on their background. The writing sample or portfolio should indicate an interest in or awareness of issues to be addressed in this program. The GMAT is optional. Applications will be accepted after the deadline if there is room.

Curriculum

Urban Environmental Management Systems Requirement, 2012

 

The Master of Science in Urban Environmental Systems Management

Semester 1

Environmental Law                                            3

Planning for Sustainable Communities                 3

The Science of Sustainability                              3

Electives (recommended)                                   4

Semester 2

Environmental Economics                                   3

Solid Waste, Water Quality & Energy Policy          3

Environmental Impact Statements                       3

Environmental Assessment                                 3

Semester 3 - Summer

Elective (recommended)                                     4

(Option of Sustainable Business Studio)                5

Semester 4

Capstone                                                          2

Land Use Studio, or                           

or Planing/Urban Design Studio, or 

Planning Studio                                                  5

Elective (recommended)                                     4

Total Credits Required                                   40