Environmental Science and Management

Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM)

MESM is an interdisciplinary Master’s Degree Program focused on preparing students to apply environmental science and technology to real-world problems. It is not centered around independent, hypothesis-based research like the Master of Science in Environmental Sciences degree program.
- The Masters of Environmental Science and Management (MESM) is an interdepartmental program within URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) that is focused on building expertise for working professionals.
- Students who want to further their careers with private sector firms, governmental agencies, or non-profit organizations should consider this degree.
- The MESM program is normally completed in 16-21 months of full-time study. Part-time students are welcome, but take longer to complete the curriculum.

Graduates of MESM will gain invaluable skills in areas including networking, communication, real-world applications of environmental issues, and more:

1. Know the fundamental principles of environmental science and how human activities affect environmental condition. Students demonstrate:
- technical capacity and knowledge in core principles of the natural sciences and social sciences associated with their professional goals
- an ability to use statistical procedures to describe quantitative data, discern patterns and trends in data, or perform inferential tests of hypotheses

2. Integrate multidisciplinary aspects of real-world environmental problems and create practical, viable solutions to those problems.

3. Determine the current state of scientific knowledge of an environmental issue, and effectively communicate the problem and possible solutions to diverse audiences. Students demonstrate an ability to:
- develop a practical solution to an environmental problem
- effectively communicate scientific solutions to multiple audiences including the public, decision‐makers, stakeholders, and scientists.

Sources of Financial Aid, Grants, and Assistantships for MESM Students

Specializations

There are seven unique specializations that are available within the MESM program. Read on to learn about what each has to offer and find the one that fits your interests!

Environmental Communication

The new Environmental Communication track in the MESM program provides training that is especially valuable for those who wish to pursue professional paths outside of academia..[Read more]

Environmental Planning and Design

This specialization examines the spatial management of human development activities within diverse natural resource systems…
[Learn more]

Wetland, Watershed, and Ecosystem Science

This specialization focuses on the science and management of ecosystems at all scales from landscape to interstitial. Students may concentrate studies…
[Learn more]

Sustainable Systems

This specialization focuses on the science and management of designed and domesticated ecosystems. Graduates have a strong understanding of the…
[Learn more]

Remote Sensing & Spatial Analysis

This specialization provides students with technical skills required to use state-of-the-art mapping technologies, such as geographic information systems (GIS)…
[Learn more]

Environmental Policy & Management

This interdisciplinary track prepares students for positions requiring an ability to integrate natural science into policy development and…
[Learn more]

Earth and Hydrologic Science

This specialization focuses on the study of earth sciences at multiple scales. It gives students insight into the structure and process in earth systems, stresses the understanding…
[Learn more]

Conservation Biology

This specialization prepares students for professional positions in the science and management of the earth’s biological diversity. They may concentrate studies…
[Learn more]

Dr. Michelle Peach
Department of Natural Resources Science
Coastal Institute in Kingston
University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: (401) 874-5586
E-mail: michelle_peach@uri.edu

Dr. Brett Still
Department of Natural Resources Science
Coastal Institute in Kingston
University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: (401) 874-2912
E-mail: bstill@uri.edu

College of the Environment and Life Sciences

Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM)

Specializations