Environment & Sustainability
Environment & sustainability
George Washington University offers advanced degrees to help address climate change and mitigate its impact through programs that focus on:
- Environmental and sustainability policy
- Green chemistry
- Ecology and the climate
- Geographic analysis
Programs at a Glance
Learn more about the program that fits your career goals:
- Environmental & Green Chemistry, MS
Employers are increasingly seeking scientists who specialize in creative ideas with minimal environmental impact. With this degree, you will learn firsthand how to develop innovative, greener solutions to address today’s environmental challenges. As you build proficiency in both environmental chemistry and green chemistry, you will complete the program with a final capstone project with a real-world client.
- Environmental & Sustainability Policy, MA
Gain a multidisciplinary approach to environmental and sustainability studies as you prepare for a policy career in government, nonprofit organizations, the private sector and/or environmental advocacy groups. As you develop your solid grounding in the scientific side of environmental and resource policy, you will collaborate in a capstone project on a pro bono product for a client of your choice.
- Biology (Systematics, Evolution and Ecology focus)
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.
- Geography & Environment, MS
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.
- Media & Strategic Communication (Climate & Sustainability Track), MA
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.
- Geographic Information Systems, Graduate Certificate
The demand for geospatial science skills is growing across many industries: scientific investigation, resource management, civil engineering, marketing, archeology, environmental research, urban planning, demography, development, policy, public health and emergency management, to name a few. From the science of cartography and geographical statistical analysis to database design and geospatial modeling, this program teaches all aspects of GIS theory and practice.
Andrew Textoris, MA '22, Environmental Resource Policy
“I wouldn’t be able to break into my career path without this degree. It is instrumental in preparing people to engage in the arduous landscape that is environmental policy.”
Professor Adelina Voutchkova-Kostal, Co-Director of the GW Environmental Green Chemistry Program
“Chemists make differences in all aspects of life, and sustainability is one opportunity that we have to truly be part of the solution. I hope that young chemists and scientists thinking about careers that can make an impact in sustainability will consider getting involved.”
Employment Opportunities
Here are just some of the field’s top organizations where our graduates are advancing their exciting careers:
