The MENV program is a cohort-based, in-residence professional degree program designed for new or early career professionals. The program focuses on applications and problem-solving and has four parts: (1) the core curriculum, (2) a choice of topical specializations that are supported by (3) electives, and (4) a Capstone Project. Through this integrated program, students will develop diverse, cross-disciplinary perspectives that incorporate policy, science, and values. MENV is grounded in a core curriculum that emphasizes systems thinking and collaborative leadership in coupled human and natural systems. Students become conversant in the language, knowledge, techniques, and methodologies of various disciplines while developing general analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the adaptability that is indispensable to professional success. Our objective is to provide a foundation of multidisciplinary knowledge and communication and analytical skills that will enable students to be effective environmental leaders. In addition to the foundational training they receive in the core courses, MENV participants students will choose to specialize in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry, Sustainable Food Systems, Urban Resilience and Sustainability. Throughout the program students will participate in different learning formats that will enable them to acquire new knowledge, skills, and abilities, empowering them to address increasingly complex environmental and related social problems. Learning will occur on campus, in the field, and through experiential and group learning opportunities. MENV embraces a pedagogical approach to foster systems thinking by orienting coursework around real-world problems (rather than disciplines). Supporting this goal, field-based learning opportunities are woven into the program to give students experience with translating conceptual knowledge into effective on-the-ground action. Students will develop and hone their leadership capacities through workshops, peer-to-peer mentoring, professional skills courses, the capstone project, and other “real-world” opportunities through partnerships with outside firms, agencies, and organizations.
