I have already started applying, but...

[boomshakalaka]

What if a friend were to ask you, "What masters education do I need to get if I want help create a more sustainable world? Help proliferate renewable energy and cleantech in general? Any path that will directly affect this outcome." 

 

After painstaking research over the past a 8 months or so I have started applying to the following colleges:

1. UCSB- Master of Environmental Science and Management

2. Duke- Master of Environmental Management

3. Yale- Master of Environmental Management

4. Columbia- MS in Sustainability Management

5. IIT- MS Environmental Management and Sustainability

6. The New School - Environmental Policy and Sustainability MS

7. University of Michigan - MS in Sustainable System.

 

But I am still unconvinced that these colleges, apart from a few are exactly what I am looking for.

 

I am also considering some Policy masters(MPA/MPP)

 

Can someone please be a big bro and help out?

 

(sorry about the font. Forum noob and in a little hurry)

 

[ssynny]

If you aren't convinced the school is what you're looking for, then don't apply. Save yourself the time and money! Ask yourself if you were offered admission to that school, would you actually accept? There's nothing wrong with only applying to a few schools, or even waiting until next time so you have time to look into programs more closely. Good luck!

[jujubea]

Agree! ONLY apply to the schools you really feel are the right fit!

 

I'm only applying to three! 

[victorydance]

Have you looked at universities in Europe? I was considering this line of study prior and European universities were a bit ahead of the curb in this regard. 

 

Also, there is also a more natural + social sciences stream you can go through, usually called "MSc/M.A. in Sustainable Development" than strictly management programs. 

Edited January 8, 2015 by victorydance

[rising_star]

Oh, what about the program at Oxford? There's a MPhil there in something like sustainable development.

[boomshakalaka]

Thanks for your answers!

 

I have considered Europe but later dropped the idea because I was worried about the job situation there. Am I right or wrong?

 

I have been considering US programmes.

 

Any opinion on an MPA/MPP or International Development/Affair route to achieve my goal?

[Brandon263]

Thanks for your answers!

 

I have considered Europe but later dropped the idea because I was worried about the job situation there. Am I right or wrong?

 

I have been considering US programmes.

 

Any opinion on an MPA/MPP or International Development/Affair route to achieve my goal?

 

 

An MPA would offer more career flexibility; an MBA even more so.

[boomshakalaka]

An MPA would offer more career flexibility; an MBA even more so.

 

Does MPA mean Masters in Public Administration or Public Affairs?

 

Also I really liked the masters in international affairs programme at SIPA. Mostly I liked that they have a concentration in energy and environment. Any more like this?

[Chubberubber]

Since you're talking about an MA program, the first answer you need to ask yourself is: Am I hoping for a career in the field or in academia. Once you've answered that- look up info on which program is better for each career path: for academia- look in journals/ databases and see where the leading researchers teach, and for field work- look at the credentials of the professionals you are most impressed with/ organizations you'd like to work for. 

Additionaly, I think being more specific about the way you want to create a more sustainable world and promote clean energy might help. Are you interested in hydro-power? Solar? Wind? Something completely new that I've never heard of? What I mean is- nerrow down your interests and see where are you more likely to be able to persue them in terms of fculty, intership options etc.

Hope that helps and best of luck!