The department offers two Master's degrees: Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy (MESP); and Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM). The length of study for the MESP Program is ten and a half months and for the MESPOM program two years. The MESPOM program began in 2005/2006 in cooperation with three other leading European Universities - Lund University (Sweden), the University of Manchester (UK) and the University of the Aegean (Greece). MESPOM has been selected and funded as an Erasmus Mundus course by the European Commission.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND POLICY (MESP)
The MESP Masters Program provides students with a combination of scientific, technological, legal and policy vocational training, preparing them for careers in a range of environmental fields. The aim is to give students an understanding of all aspects of the environment, of how to develop sound and sustainable policies, and of matters concerned with solving environmental problems.
The Environmental Sciences and Policy Master's program is registered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York (US) for and on behalf of the New York State Education Department.
Masters Program Structure
The Masters Program is divided into two parts, a taught element normally extending from September until March, and a research element from April until July. Due to the varied backgrounds of the students, the first aim of the taught portion is to introduce all students to the basic principles required for a full understanding of the various subject areas. This is achieved in foundational classes in Semester I with a mix of mandatory and elective courses. The subsequent semester of specialized study builds upon these skills through mostly elective courses organized according to different study streams, emphasizing a multi- and interdisciplinary approach to topics, incorporating economic, political, legal as well as scientific and technological aspects. Students' chosen thesis project must be completed by late July and submitted as a dissertation.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, POLICY AND MANAGEMENT (MESPOM)
MESPOM prepares students to identify, develop and implement integrated solutions to environmental challenges, especially in an international context. MESPOM offers a comprehensive inter- and multi-disciplinary curriculum in environmental studies that challenges students' ability to integrate theory and practice for systematic analysis, holistic understanding, and management of diverse environmental issues in various social contexts. In addition to their academic work, students develop research, communication and other professional skills, learn to orient themselves in European and worldwide networks of environmental institutions and elaborate relevant career objectives and strategies.
MESPOM Program Structure
The two-year program is delivered in English and includes three terms of taught courses followed by a fourth research semester. The first two semesters, taught at CEU, comprise mandatory and elective courses focused on scientific and technological as well as legal, economic, and political aspects of key environmental challenges and the society-environment interaction. During the third semester students choose between specialized tracks in either preventive environmental strategies in the public and private sector (at Lund University) or environmental sciences and pollution control (at the University of Manchester). Both tracks emphasize hands-on research and practical experience in industries and laboratories. During the fourth semester, the students conduct their individual research projects and write Masters theses at any of the four Consortium partners. This is normally combined with internships at inter-governmental organizations, government, industry or NGOs in Europe or students' home countries.
MESPOM becomes an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree: http://mespom.eu/node/45917
See www.mespom.eu for more details
