MAES At A Glance

The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University is consistently recognized as one of the best public affairs colleges in the nation according to US News & World Report.

The Master of Arts in Environmental Studies program prepares students for careers that bridge the gap between environmental public policy, environmental science, and management professionals, to foster the integrity, diversity, and resilience of social-ecological systems and to shape them into sustainable human settlements.

The cross-disciplinary coursework provides a foundation in environmental policy, environmental science, urban sustainability, environmental law, engineering, and management, with curriculum in the following areas:

Environmental policy and administration
Ecosystem sciences
Environmental physics
Sustainable economic development
Geographic information systems principles and methods
Environmental finance and public sector economics
Environmental decision making
Leadership, management, and organizational behavior
Regional theory and analysis

The MA in Environmental Studies program requires 42 credit hours, including core courses, an area of specialization or electives, and a capstone. View the MA curriculum sheet to learn more.

Our mentoring program, internships, and additional networking opportunities enhance professional development, augment the student experience, and help advance careers.

We also offer a dual degree program, combining a Master of Arts in Environmental Studies and a Juris Doctor from the College of Law. Full-time students may earn both degrees in four years, rather than the five years required to earn the degrees separately.

Careers in Environmental Sustainability

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, what’s good for the earth may be good for your earnings, with wages in many environmental occupations well above the median annual wage and sometimes more than twice the overall median. Employment growth is expected over the next decade. Forbes recently recognized jobs in environmental sustainability to be among the fastest growing occupations in the US.

Graduates of the MA in Environmental Studies program are well-prepared for leadership roles in their communities’ efforts to protect, restore, and sustain environmental quality. Our graduates find successful careers in:

Environmental protection agencies at all government levels
Nonprofit environmental advocacy organizations
Environmental education organizations
State and national parks and recreation areas
Regional planning and resource agencies
Municipal government agencies
Private planning and environmental consulting firms
Watershed organizations
Law offices
Private industry

Streamlined Application Process and Courses that Fit Your Schedule

Application fees and standardized test score requirements are waived for spring 2022 applicants!

Our graduate programs are designed to accommodate part-time, mid-career students, as well as full-time students. Courses are offered primarily during the evenings. Full-time students can complete their graduate degree in two academic years.

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

The School offers graduate assistantship opportunities and over thirty dedicated scholarships for Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs students. Graduate assistantships are competitive, providing a stipend and potential tuition support to qualified students.

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