Environment and Sustainability Landing Page
Advance your career and establish yourself as a
leader in preserving the planet
Environment and Sustainability
With our planet in peril, there is no more urgent challenge facing humanity than devising the solutions that will mitigate the effects of climate change and ultimately save our environment.
When you choose to earn your graduate degree from GW, you enhance your career by gaining the practical expertise, advanced techniques, and an elite network of government and private industry professionals in the art and science of sustainability. But more importantly, you will gain a foundation that sets you up to be a leader in the field and empowers you to produce groundbreaking, collaborative solutions in the science, policy and public health sectors that will conserve our world for generations to come.
Pursue a GW graduate degree in
GREEN CHEMISTRY, ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
and more.
THE GW ADVANTAGE
Access Washington, D.C.
GW’s vast network of internationally recognized faculty and environmental professionals and policymakers in the heart of U.S. decision-making provides invaluable opportunities with connections to many of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions, government agencies and technology companies.
Experiential Learning
With fieldwork expeditions that span the globe and hands-on projects that integrate coursework with professional roles, you will gain practical experience to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. Plus, you will actively engage with other industry and government professionals in working to solve today’s environmental challenges.
Career Advancement and a Global Network
At GW you’ll tap into a supremely connected professional network of more than 320,000 alumni in 150 countries worldwide. Here, you will benefit from networking, sharing knowledge and further refining your expertise as an experienced professional.
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.
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:
REQUEST INFORMATION TODAY
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