Curriculum & Degree Requirements

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Core Required Courses (24 credits)

Core Courses (20 credits)

Methods Course* (4 credits, select one)

Elective Specialization Courses (24 credits)

A. Students are required to take 8 credits in one of the following tracks:

Business, Sustainability, and Development

The Business, Sustainability, and Development track is designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to deliver targeted environmental and social benefits through sustainable enterprise. This track focuses primarily on frontier and emerging markets while its inter-disciplinary approach draws from the fields of development economics, business management, earth and climate science, conflict resolution, policy analysis, and public administration.

Energy and Climate Change

The Energy and Climate Change track is designed to equip students with the essential technical and analytical tools necessary to address complex energy, resource, and climate policy issues at local, national, and international levels.

Marine and Land Conservation

The Marine and Land Conservation track develops the knowledge and skills needed to craft effective strategies for the protection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Students in the Marine and Land Conservation track gain core competencies in conservation biology, protected areas management, environmental law and politics, environmental and natural resource economics, and policy as well as the professional leadership skills needed to tackle today’s conservation challenges.

Ocean & Coastal Resource Management

Students who complete the new 16-credit concentration in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management automatically meet the 8-credit track requirements and do not need to pursue a separate specialization.

B. Other electives (Additional research seminars, field studies, workshops, etc.): 16 credits***

Students round out their studies with courses from the Graduate School of International Policy and Management (GSIPM), including additional environmental electives, as well as development, public administration, conflict resolution, trade, business, and additional methods courses. Students are allowed maximum flexibility in choosing courses that complement their chosen track, and are encouraged to consult with GSIPM faculty and their Career and Academic Advisors. Students may also take courses at nearby institutions through the COS Marine Program and other neighboring institutions. Please speak with the IEP Program Chair and the Career and Academic Advisors about these options.

Advanced Language Courses (12 credits)

We prepare International Environmental Policy students for international careers where linguistic proficiency and intercultural competence are invaluable assets. Based on job market trends and alumni surveys and feedback, we recognize that professionally-oriented language expertise is an added value to a successful career in this field.

Our language curriculum is closely integrated with the International Environmental Policy program curriculum through specialized language classes on international environmental governance, green business solutions, social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility, conflict resolution and case studies dealing with environment, and sustainability and resource management issues.

Students complete 12 units of their degree in courses in their language of study. Please review our language proficiency requirements for more details about this component of your degree.

Total units: 60 to graduate with MA in International Environmental Policy degree

*Not all methods courses are offered every semester. GIS is offered at CSUMB and is available to IEP students space permitting. Other quantitative courses may also satisfy this requirement. Please check with the IEP Program Chair and your Academic Advisor for details.

**Indicates courses that may count towards the specified track if the student’s research is focused on a topic consistent with this field.  Must be approved by IEP Program Chair.