The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Geography offer a dual master of arts in environmental resource policy (ENRP) and graduate certificate in geographical information systems (GIS) program. The 12 credits earned for the certificate may be shared between programs, thereby decreasing the total number of credits normally required.
The program offers a multidisciplinary approach to environmental and sustainability studies, blending theory and practical experience with a curriculum that includes environmental economics, environmental law, public policy, research methods, and environmental science. Elective courses can be taken in almost any department at the University, including, but not limited to, biology, chemistry, geography, international affairs, public policy, economics, political science, engineering management and systems engineering, business administration, and public health. Students graduate prepared to enter environmental policy careers in government, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and environmental advocacy groups. The GIS certificate curriculum guides students through all aspects of GIS theory and practice, from the science of cartography to analyzing geographical statistics to database design and geospatial modeling. Students are equipped with a solid grounding in geospatial theory and techniques as well as its practical applications.