Degree & Certificate Programs
Building on the impressive breadth of sustainability and climate change education across academic programs, the Alliance will teach GW's students through dynamic academic sustainability programs and real-world experiential learning and take advantage of GW’s extraordinary power of convening to bring together scholars, students, experts, and dedicated partners committed to charting an exciting path forward. From the arts and sciences to engineering and technology, from global affairs and business to law, journalism, and policy, the Alliance will inspire passionate, bold and creative leaders, doers, and communicators.
This is just a small sampling of the academic programs engaging in this work at GW. As we work hard to advance the new Alliance and connect with additional university partners in this space, this list of programs will continue to grow, reflecting GW's broad range of education in sustainability, climate change and related areas. Stay tuned for additions to the Alliance participant list — there's lots more to come.
Over the past decade, the Environmental and Energy Law Program has been expanded to ncrease our focus on energy law, adding new classes and creating the Sustainable Energy Initiative. The program has expanded significantly to provide the next generation of environmental and energy lawyers with the tools they need to tackle the local, national, and international challenges facing the planet and its inhabitants, including climate change, fisheries depletion, air pollution, water scarcity, and developing new sources of energy.
The MPH in Environmental Health Science & Policy (EHS&P) program educates individuals committed to improving public health through reducing risks posed by environmental and occupational hazards. Graduates from this program become experts in analyzing the implications of policies relating to environmental and occupational health, participating in policy development, and assessing and managing environmental and occupational risks.
GW’s Systematics, Evolution and Ecology (SEE) program is one of the world’s few specializing in the principles and methods of phylogenetic analysis and comparative biology. Access both the Smithsonian’s world-class collection and fieldwork opportunities — from the Amazon Basin to the islands of the South Pacific — as you explore the forefront of biodiversity studies.
While building on your working knowledge of geospatial techniques, you will engage in areas of human and physical geography that match your specific interests, including Arctic climate systems, analyzing mortality and birth rates, water resource policy, city planning and more. Plus, with a 1-to-2 faculty-to-student ratio, you gain exceptional mentorship and research opportunities.
Become an expert in the why and how of strategic communication while tackling critical environmental issues. This specialized track pairs the basics of climate and sustainability science with hands-on practice creating compelling advocacy campaigns. Housed in GW's School of Media & Public Affairs, ours is the most comprehensive strategic communication program in downtown Washington, D.C.
Environmental and Energy Law Program (GW Law)
Over the past decade, the Environmental and Energy Law Program has been expanded to increase our focus on energy law, adding new classes and creating the Sustainable Energy Initiative. The program has expanded significantly to provide the next generation of environmental and energy lawyers with the tools they need to tackle the local, national, and international challenges facing the planet and its inhabitants, including climate change, fisheries depletion, air pollution, water scarcity, and developing new sources of energy.
Environmental and Green Chemistry Master's Program (CCAS)
Employers across the public and private sectors are increasingly seeking scientists who specialize in creative ideas with minimal environmental impact. In our unique green chemistry program, students learn the science underlying today’s environmental challenges and develop innovative, greener solutions to address them. The curriculum builds proficiency in both environmental chemistry and green chemistry, positioning graduates to find employment in this burgeoning field or to continue their education in chemistry and sustainability. Coursework combines intensive study of chemical toxicology, green industrial chemistry and rational design of safer chemicals with related courses in public health, policy and business. Students round off the program with a final capstone project with a real-world client.
Environmental and Sustainability Science Bachelor's Program (CCAS)
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Science program equips students with a broad foundation in the sciences with which they can take advantage of important new quantitative skills in geospatial techniques and data science and develop a concentration in either Earth and Environmental Science or Ecological Management. Required coursework incorporates science classes from across the university, with elective options including Conservation Biology, Water Resources, Oceanography, and more. Through varied courses, internships, and undergraduate research, students gain experience one of the fastest-growing career fields.
Environmental and Sustainability Policy Master's Program (TSPPPA-CCAS)
The Master of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Policy (MA-ESP) at the Trachtenberg School offers a multidisciplinary approach to environmental and sustainability studies. This STEM program prepares students to enter environmental policy careers in government, nonprofit organizations, the private sector and environmental advocacy groups. Students begin the program by taking a specialized, two-semester course in environmental sciences, which provides a solid grounding in the scientific side of environmental and resource policy. The program culminates in a capstone project, during which students collaborate in small groups on a pro bono product for a client of their choice.
Sustainable Urban Planning Master's Program (CPS)
In our master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Planning, you will study cities through the lens of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The program’s world-class faculty delivers state of the art courses, personalized mentoring, and firsthand insight on projects they have conducted in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. By working with them and your peers – inside of the classroom, and out – you’ll learn how to leverage knowledge of cities into forward-looking policy and action for advancing the goals of societies across the globe.