Environmental Management, Sustainability

Environmental professionals study the impact of human actions and determine sustainable methods of operation. The demand for enviromentally sound practices has greatly expanded the selection of careers that are available. Green-collar jobs are no longer limited to marine biologist, environmmental scientist, or geologist. Today, management consultants must advise clients on environmentally sound and sustainable methods of operation and manufacturing. Engineers must link scientific principles and commercial applications that meet societal, environmental, and consumer needs.

Although the economy has suffered a downturn overall, the environmental professions have not been hit so hard. In fact, this sector is still doing well. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment for environmental professionals to grow at average and faster than average rate through 2010. Demand is strong because the rising demand for environmentally conscious practices and products creates a shortage of environmental professionals. Plus, a large number of retirements are expected in the next 3-5 years.

In-demand skill sets include air and water quality management, life cycle assessment, alternative energy, water supply demand, and green investments. Additionally, there has been a rise in jobs related to climate change, energy, and clean technology. Investors are flocking to clean tech and sustainable investments, so those with finance skills and deep sustainability knowledge are prime candidates for employment at private equity, venture capital and investment banking firms.

Environmental Management - BS
The goal this program is to provide students with a solid foundation in federal EPA and state environmental rules and regulations. In addition, students are presented with cutting edge concepts concerning environmental principles, resource use and protection. Students enrolled in this program will acquire practical "how to" skills relating to solid waste/hazardous waste management and the appropriate techniques, technology and measures for minimizing air, soil and water pollution. The BS in Environmental Management would be appropriate for students looking to enter, or further their advancement in, the associated fields with an employer in corporate, industrial, consulting, or regulatory environmental compliance, control, or remediation.

Environmental Management - Certificate
CSU certificate programs deliver extensive, specialized training. Courses are designed to offer students the planning, analysis, and decision-making techniques they need to compete in today's evolving business climate. Students select and complete four courses (12 semester credit hours) within the environmental management concentration to earn a certificate at the undergraduate level. Course offerings include Environmental Law, Environmental Science, Environmental Assessment, Air Quality, Waste Management, Hazardous Waste Management, Prevention, Environmental Strategies, Environmental Technology, and Hazardous Waste Regulation.

Environmental Management - MS
This degree is designed to provide the skills, knowledge, and competencies that students need to function effectively in multiple environmental management settings. The courses in the program are interrelated and provide a solid conceptual and applied foundation.

Graduates of this program will be able to: describe the institutions and processes that impact upon development of environmental and energy laws and policy issues; analyze, monitor, and mitigate impacts from an organization's operations; analyze and communicate health, safety, and environmental risks; manage, plan, and conduct comprehensive environmental compliance, managerial, and liability audits for various industrial and commercial facilities; and develop a team and manage an environmental project/program for an organization or government agency.

Environmental Management - Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Environmental Management Certificate is intended for people seeking to improve their abilities in managing environmental projects and programs. It is particularly helpful to relatively new environmental managers who wish to strengthen skills in working with a diverse group of environmental professionals. Core coursework includes: Environmental Auditing, Environmental Communications and Reporting, Environmental/Energy Laws and Policy Development, Environmental Risk Assessment, and Principles of Waste Management and Pollution Control.

Environmental Policy and Management - BS
Sustainability is a forward looking multi-disciplinary perspective that addresses both current and long-term economic, social, and environmental relations and concerns. It refers to the studied and planned use of human and non-human resources, with the goal of providing for future generations while maintaining quality of life today.

Sustainability Studies - Certificate
Sustainability is a forward looking multi-disciplinary perspective that addresses both current and long-term economic, social, and environmental relations and concerns. It refers to the studied and planned use of human and non-human resources, with the goal of providing for future generations while maintaining quality of life today.

The online Sustainability Studies Certificate Program helps students gain an understanding of the theory and practice of sustainability. Students must complete 12 undergraduate credits to be eligible for certificate completion. This program is available for both full time students and working professionals. Courses taken in this certificate program can lead towards a minor in Sustainability Studies at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Sustainability Studies looks to discover and examine humanity's philosophies and practices, past and present, as they relate to the natural and social world, and consider what new or alternative philosophies and practices might be capable of providing a sustainable, balanced, and ethical future for the planet and its inhabitants.

Sustainability Leadership - Certificate
This program is designed for senior executives, managers, directors, and experts in functional areas such as human resources, public relations, marketing, facilities and line managers, who are charged with implementing public policy, sustainability initiatives, obtaining regulatory compliance, environmental health and safety and those responsible for going green. This interdisciplinary program integrates sustainable development and environmentalism with business management strategy to achieve corporate social responsibility. Participants will gain the tools needed to become a leader who can respond to environmental and social needs, while creating strategic innovation, competitive advantage and profitable growth for their organization.