Environmental Management is the study of the policies and regulations that manage air, land and water environments in order to maximize and balance human heath, environmental health and appropriate land use. Degrees in Environmental Management also prepare students to effectively communicate their findings and recommendations with both fellow scientists and the general public. Environmental Management is an interdisciplinary study that involves many different sciences and the integration of these with various arts, such as business and language.
The specific courses required for a degree in Environmental Management vary from school to school, but usually include classes covering ecology, physical science, biology and chemistry. Classes in economics and business are usually included in the required courses. Classes in writing and communications may be required or recommended, as well as courses in management and leadership. Master's degree programs may be more specialized and allow the student to focus on one particular area of Environment Management, such as sustainability, the carbon cycle or water use and conservation.
As with the course of study, the prerequisites required at each school may vary. However, schools ask that students entering their Environmental Management degree programs have successfully completed high school. A minimum score on standardized tests is normally required as well. Specific high-school courses, such as English, math, biology, physics and chemistry prepare students for a successful college experience.
Many schools across North America offer Environmental Management degree programs. Choosing the best school for you may take into account your location, the size of the classes offered at each school, admission requirements, the quality of the school's environmental and geography departments, and the school's overall reputation. In 2008, Indiana University's Bloomington campus was the best graduate school for environmental policy and management, followed by Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, according to Education Portal.
Students who complete a degree in Environmental Management may go on to careers in resource management, environmental monitoring, urban planning, environmental consulting, policymaking, environmental law, environmental advocacy or teaching, according to the University of Toronto.