MA in International Environmental Policy

International Environmental Policy transcends national borders (international), focuses on the natural world (environmental), and emphasizes human decisions (policy). The field demands a broad range of knowledge and skills from its practitioners. The Monterey Institute of International Studies offers a Masters of Arts in International Environmental Policy (MAIEP) that trains students to tackle complex, global environmental problems with practical policy solutions.

The first and largest of its kind, the Monterey Institute's MAIEP program bridges the gap between the academic and policy worlds. We provide in-depth core courses in Environmental & Natural Resource Economics, International Environmental Law & Politics, Quantitative Methods for Environmental Science & Policy, and Natural Science Foundations for Environmental Policy. The MAIEP curriculum prepares students with the interdisciplinary skills needed to craft effective policy solutions.

The uniqueness of the MAIEP degree centers around its commitment to educating a new generation of globally-focused environmental policy professionals. MAIEP graduates from more than 30 countries are now leaders in global environmental policy, working in non-profit organizations, for-profit corporations, and numerous governmental and inter-governmental agencies.

Complete Educational Experience

Unlike larger research universities, Monterey Institute students benefit from easy access to senior faculty who maintain close relationships with major international environmental organizations. This access greatly enhances students’ future career and research opportunities. These opportunities, combined with internships (both during the school year and the summer), weekend workshops, an annual Environmental Speaker Series, dozens of potential electives, and our International Professional Service Semester (IPSS) program, allow IEP students to maximize their educational experience.

Multiple Career Paths

Our graduates pursue careers at multiple levels. Some tackle environmental problems from the top-down, working at the highest levels of decision-making. Others pursue bottom-up approaches, working at the grass-roots level. Whether you want to jet-set around the globe negotiating environmental treaties, or roll up your sleeves and lead a local NGO, we provide the training you need.

Exceptional Local Resources

In addition to the Monterey Institute experience, the Local Community provides access to a wealth of resources. Academic institutions, such as California State University Monterey Bay, and the Naval Postgraduate School offer activities such as lectures, courses, and assisting in research.

Local organizations:

• MARINE Connection
• Big Sur Land Trust
• The Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Ventana Wildlife Society
• The Organic Farming Research Foundation
• The Sustainability Academy
• The Monterey Bay Crescent Ocean Research Consortium
• The Center for Ocean Solutions
• Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station
• UC-Santa Cruz

For more information regarding the Masters of Arts in International Environmental Policy (MAIEP), please feel free to contact Dr. Jason Scorse, Chair of the International Environmental Policy Program.