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MSES/MPA

“As an environmental scientist, the dual master’s degree prepared me at two levels. First, the applied science component developed the rigorous scientific training I use for the research my company performs for its clients. Second, the policy degree developed the skills and know-how that I use to successfully navigate the political and regulatory spheres that encompass almost all of today’s applied environmental science research projects. It is no coincidence that over half of our staff are SPEA graduates.”

— Jeffrey Ehman (MSES/MPA 2001)
Director of Research, Pangaea Information Technology

The MSES-MPA Dual Degree

SPEA offers a one-of-a-kind degree program that provides both a Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) and Master of Public Affairs (MPA). This dual-degree program develops the advanced training of each individual master’s degree, while exploiting the interdisciplinary linkages in SPEA’s uniquely integrated program. The curriculum and research are distinguished by a vigorous interdisciplinary approach to education and problem-solving.

Why choose the MSES-MPA Dual Degree program at SPEA?

In the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate and professional programs in American and international schools, SPEA Bloomington ranked third. SPEA’s MPA program is the highest-ranked public affairs program at a public institution and has the highest-ranked environmental policy program at any institution (public or private) in the USA. The dual-degree program combines two of SPEA’s highly regarded programs to provide a distinctive and powerful curriculum.

Five Major Benefits of the Dual MSES-MPA Degree

Flexibility	You can apply for the dual master’s degree before you arrive at SPEA or at any time after you are admitted to either the MSES or MPA degree program. This allows a broad array of curricular choices to meet your particular professional interest.
Cost-Effectiveness	Program integration allows most students to complete the two degrees in an average of 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 years. That is 1/2- 1-1/2 years less time than would be required to complete the two degrees independently.
Individualized Advising	You will have two principal advisors—an environmental scientist and a public policy analyst. These advisors will help you design a curriculum that reflects your interests and goals, oversee progress, and help you with job placement.
Outstanding Professional Training	You will be rigorously trained in environmental science, resource science, management, and public policy. The depth and breadth in the science and policy offerings at SPEA provide all students with learning packages that both develop essential skills and meet individual professional interests.
Outstanding Professional Success	Dual-degree graduates rapidly advance in an unusually diverse range of market niches because of the depth of science and policy offerings.

Faculty

SPEA faculty interact extensively with students in the dual-degree program in the classroom, by advising students on coursework plans and career paths, and through research and funding opportunities. Click here to explore the expertise and interest of our faculty in environmental science, environmental policy and natural resource management, and environmental law. These faculty members, in conjunction with the faculty in Public Affairs, provide an outstanding learning environment for students interested in the nexus between environmental science, policy, management, economics, and law.

Alumni Success

The outstanding professional success of SPEA’s dual-degree graduates is one reason SPEA’s environmental program has ranked #1 in the United States in the last two U.S. News & World Report surveys. Recent graduates are now working in federal agencies such as EPA, the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, among others. Other graduates have found careers in state and local agencies, international organizations, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and various environmental science and engineering consulting firms. The diverse list of employers is a testament to the flexibility students are given in pursuing their individual career objectives and the power of this dual degree program.

Degree Requirements

Dual degree students complete a 60-credit hour curriculum that includes core requirements from the MPA and MSES programs. Beyond these core requirements, joint students can pursue one of several concentration options:

Option 1 — Students can choose one of two concentrations unique to the joint program: “Environmental Management” and “Environmental Systems Analysis and Modeling.” These concentrations are designed to integrate science and policy components, allowing students to exploit synergies among environmental science, public management, and policy analysis.

Option 2 — Students can pursue a “Specialized Concentration.” In this case, the student, in consultation with faculty advisors, chooses a mix of environmental science and public affairs courses to fulfill the degree requirements. This option is for students who want the maximum flexibility to tailor a concentration specifically to their career interests.

Option 3 — Students can pursue any MSES concentration or MPA concentration, plus a minimum number of courses from the other degree component. This option is for students who identify themselves primarily as science-oriented or policy-oriented, but with a strong complementary interest in either science or policy.

For more information regarding degree requirements and the dual degree curriculum, visit: http://www.indiana.edu/~bulletin/iu/spea_grad/2007-2009/bloomington.shtml#mpajdp.