Master of Environmental Management (MEM)

The Master of Environmental Management curriculum draws from coursework in the natural and social sciences and focuses on the complex relationships among science, management, and policy. The purpose of the program is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of natural and social systems that can be applied to environmental and natural resource problem solving in a policy or management context. In addition to course work, students are expected to hone their capacities as leaders and managers through summer internships, professional skills courses, and other opportunities.

The MEM curriculum requires students to focus on an area of specialization, while still offering the flexibility to tailor their course programming in a way that exposes them to other disciplines and subject areas. This structure assures that students develop both depth and breadth in their course of study. Students can choose from more than 100 courses offered by YSE faculty and have access to an even larger number of courses from across Yale University.

MEM Specializations

All MEM students are required to choose one specialization.

Specialization are designed to ensure that students obtain sufficient depth in their chosen area of study. Specialization requirements account for 18 of the 48 total credits required for the MEM degree, and it is possible to add a second specialization. Students have until the end of their second semester of study to choose their specialization, which will be listed on their transcript, upon completion. Note: YSE also offers a five-year dual degree for Yale College students (MEM-5).

Theme	Course Type	# of Courses	Credits
Exposure	Perspectives	1 Course for all first-year MEMs	3
Interdisciplinary Conversancy	Basic Knowledge	4 Half-semester courses	0-6 (Waiver options)
Specialization: Depth	Core	2 Courses	6
	Specialization Electives	4 Courses	≈12
Breadth	General Electives	6 Courses	18 (Minimum)
Integration & Application	Capstone or Independent Project	1 Course	3
Experience & Career Exploration	Internship or Research Project	10-12 Summer Weeks	Required
Professional Skills	Modules	4 of 8	Required
Total:			48 (Minimum)

Exposure

Requirement: the Fall “Perspectives” course for all first-year MEMs.

This course promotes a common experience, providing exposure to the variety of perspectives represented by YSE faculty and others on the challenges and opportunities of environmental management. It also creates a forum for open discussion about the different perspectives on complex environmental issues and fosters a shared understanding of the critical nature of interdisciplinary approaches.

Interdisciplinary Conversancy

Requirement: four, half-semester courses, focused on interdisciplinary foundational knowledge.

Students are introduced to a common foundation of concepts, principles, and tools required of all professional environmental managers, providing a level of understanding necessary to succeed in the initial MEM courses and to be conversant in foundational topics relevant to environmental management more broadly. The four, half-semester courses (1.5 credits each), which students take in their first semester are:

• Introduction to Environmental Social Sciences
• Physical Science Foundations for Environmental Managers
• Ecological Patterns and Processes
• Microeconomics for Environmental Management

Students with prior coursework that is demonstrated and approved in these areas will receive a waiver of the requirement for the corresponding course. 

Specialization Depth

Requirement: students must choose at least one specialization before the end of their first year.

Breadth

Requirement: a minimum of 18 credits in general electives courses.

Students are offered tremendous flexibility in their electives, enabling them to explore courses on relevant or aligned topics across YSE and Yale more broadly. There is also the option to complete a second specialization.

Integration and Application

Requirement: one capstone course or independent project during the second year of study.

A designated capstone course or independent project with a faculty advisor provides a culminating opportunity to focus on applied problem solving. It relies on the application of knowledge, methodological approaches, and interpretive techniques gained throughout the earlier stages of the MEM. This opportunity allows for the integration of different experiences into a single representation of a student’s work.

Experience and Career Exploration

Requirement: between ten and twelve weeks of summer internship or research.

During the summer between the first and second academic years, students must complete an internship or research project that gives them a chance to apply knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom, gain professional experience, build networks, and investigate potential career paths. Students design their own summer internships or research experience, closely aligned with individual academic and career goals in collaboration with the Career Development Office.

Professional Skills

Requirement: complete at least four of the eight (short, non-credit) modules offered over two years of study.

The professional skills requirement is designed to strengthen student competency in core areas considered essential to all professionals: verbal communications; visual communications; negotiation; cultural competence; fundraising; project management; stakeholder engagement; and meeting facilitation. Students are able to choose among different alternatives depending on interest and prior experience. Although completion of at least four is required, students are encouraged to take as many as they like. Further details are available on the Professional Skills Modules page.

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