Environmental Policy Advice

[Wozezeka]

I'll save all my stats for the 'Am I Competitive' Thread, but if y'all have any advice on programs, I would appreciate it.

 

I majored in Agriculture with a Minor in Secondary education with the goal of becoming an agricultural science teacher (yes, it's a real job and part of a nation wide program. Your school probably had an ag program, you just didn't know it. Sorry, no one believes me when I say I teach agricultural science to high school kids!)

 

Anyway, I joined the Peace Corps after graduation and did agricultural extension work, HIV/AIDS education, assisted a local NGO in fundraising and developing programming, and I also worked with a local eco-tourism business. I am now in my first year teaching in America, but I am considering going back to school. I love teaching, but I want a broader impact on our environmental and agricultural practices and policies.

 

Are there programs that would focus more on the environmental aspects of policy? Everything I have found so far is more related to energy policy. The LBJ school is right in my backyard, so they would be my first choice.

 

Also, I could see myself working for an NGO/NPO or working with the government. Considering this career track is a recent development, so I am still learning about the potential career opportunities and earnings potential. Making money isn't my goal in life, but I don't want a job that pays me less than what I make now and requires extra schooling and therefore extra debt!

 

Thanks

[Monochrome Spring]

I know that Michigan State University has an Environmental Science and Policy Program that is an add on to a main graduate program. You can major in something more environmental and less energy, and use ESPP to specialize in the policy aspects. MSU is also very strong in agricultural research, so they would have opportunities in agriculture that are more suited to your interests. 

[RCtheSS]

Immediately I thought of Indiana University - Bloomington for its School of Environmental and Public Affairs. It offers both an MPA and Master of Science in Environmental Sciences: http://www.indiana.edu/~spea/prospective_students/masters/degree_programs/index.shtml

[MPPgal]

Have you consider the dual LBJ Energy and Earth resources program. I am currently a dual degree student, granted about 70% of those studying EER are interested in energy but there are plenty of professors focusing on water, renewables, forestry etc and seems perfect for someone with your background. Full disclosure, my main reason for chosing LBJ over SPEA was my second interest, Latin America which Ut just rules at, for pure environmental policy SPEA is the best school for sure. However you would need more of a science background to do the dual degree in environmental science but you can do the MPA and just take a lot of environmental courses. other good programs to look at are Yale and Duke's, but if you are a Texas resident LBJ is the best deal you will ever get. PM me if you want mor einfo on the dual EER program.

[Durham]

Hi mppal I'm in the process of applying to the err program. Can you tell me how competitive it is ? I already have a UK masters in energy and society but ultimately wAnt to work in the U.S. ! Any insight is helpful. Struggling with gre ...

[CakeTea]

Have you looked at Uni Minnesota's MSc in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy? You can take it as a degree or concentration of the MPP.

[went_away]

If you want to work in policy and have a broader impact on the field, then a school with a presence in the northeast would probably be advisable. I'd suggest taking a look at the top schools the DC/NYC area - Fletcher, SAIS, SIPA, Georgetown. From your background and interests, I would say the Fletcher MALD is likely far and away the best choice for you; they have a very strong focus on nonprofits and environmental policy and the multidisciplinary focus of the curriculum could be a great fit for your background. (Disclaimer, I am a Fletcher grad). 

 

As well, it sounds like you have a strong resume, so with a decent test scores and undergrad GPA you'd probably be a strong candidate for scholarships.  

[went_away]

Forgot to add - would strongly suggest you also look at Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. If you can get in and make the funding work, that would likely be your strongest choice. 

[alloy]

SIPA is great both for energy and environmental policy

[Amerikanka]

On a related topic, how could I transition into environmental policy? I really like the idea of working at an NGO or the federal government to implement environmental and economic policies in Central Asia.

I am a recent graduate with a BA in History and Russian. Until recently, I always thought I would pursue a PhD in History but now I am looking at more stable options. My main goal is not to make money but I do want to make more than 30k a year with reasonable job security (ie. not work as an adjunct). I just got back from teaching English in Russia on a Fulbright. 

I obviously need more work experience and hard skills. What is the best way to build this? Should I do a Peace Corps program in Central Asia? Combine Peace Corps with Indiana's MPA program (and take a lot of environmental courses? I don't have the science background to get in as it is now). Indiana gives out FLAS funding to study Russian and I could pay for an MPA that way. Would it be more marketable to try to get a Boren to do a Russian Flagship program in Kazakhstan? 

Finally, does anyone know the statistics for this line of work? Is it worse than the job market for professors?