Professor
Professor Land’s research interest focuses on the intersection of animal welfare and wildlife conservation.
Environmental Science and Policy, MS
Turn your passion for sustainability into action with our STEM-designated Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy. Develop the skills to create impactful solutions at the intersection of research, advocacy, and governance.
Location
Westchester
Duration
36–39 Credits
24–48 Months, full-time and part-time
Modality
In-Person
Start Dates
Fall
F1 Visa
Yes
STEM Designated Program
No
Lead Change with a Degree Rooted in Advocacy
Today's environmental challenges require professionals who understand the scientific foundations of problems and can navigate the policy making process. Pace’s MS in Environmental Science and Policy program at Dyson College immerses students in both worlds and teaches you how to facilitate the solutions.
Nestled between Long Island Sound, New York City, and the Adirondacks, the program places you in an ecological, business, and governmental hub with access to the number-one ranked environmental law program in the nation. Conduct hands-on research in state-of-the-art lab facilities and collaborate with local and national organizations on pressing environmental issues. Strategically located in the Hudson River Valley, one of the birthplaces of the modern environmental movement, the program offers small class sizes, expert faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning through research projects, internships, and externships. Choose from disciplinary tracks in Science, Policy, or Public Administration to tailor your degree to your goals. Graduates emerge ready to lead in this rapidly growing field, with roles ranging from policy analyst to sustainability specialist.
$101,000
median salary for environmental policy analyst in New York (Source: Glassdoor.com)
7%
projected job growth from 2023–2033 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
84,600
number of jobs projected from 2023–2033 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Curriculum
A five-course core curriculum ensures all graduates, regardless of undergraduate major: have immersive, interdisciplinary training, while track and degree options allow you to focus on the areas and skills most aligned with your professional and personal learning goals.
You can tailor your program to 36 credits or 39 credits by choosing one of three disciplinary tracks:
- Science
- Policy
- Public Administration
Additional program customization allows you to select a culmination experience from two options:
- Thesis
- Externship + capstone combination
Take Courses Like…
- ESP 602: Environmental Policy and Politics
- ESP 609: Art of Advocacy and Negotiation
- ESP 702: Contemporary Issues in Environmental Policy: A Colloquium
Additional Opportunities and Experiences
Students work alongside faculty members to expand the knowledge boundaries of the environmental realm and design improved policies. They are trained how to apply analytical techniques to unexplored questions through a research thesis or capstone project.
The New York metropolitan area has deep roots in environmental protection and our faculty are well-connected to professionals in the region, which ensures that you'll gain meaningful experiences through externships, internships, and research assistant opportunities.
Pace University offers ample physical resources for success, including state-of-the-art lab facilities and critical digital assets. Our students have worked on regional and global research questions, from improving the protection of eels in the Hudson River to mammals in India.
Careers
There has never been a better time to consider a career in environmental science and policy. Related positions are on the rise in response to a surge in sustainable technologies, new energy markets, environmental disasters, and support for improved conservation policies. Applicants with training and experience in brokering the science-policy interface will have a competitive advantage.
As a Pace student, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our robust career services team to develop a career plan that best fits your goals.
Our graduates are prepared for jobs like:
- Advocacy community organizer
- Consultant
- Conservation scientist, manager, or land steward
- Environmental program coordinator
- Legislative staff aide
- Policy analyst
- Policy associate
- Sustainability specialist
- Further studies via PhD programs
Student Quote
Meaningful collaboration between students and faculty is at the heart of the program, which effectively trained me for an advocacy career protecting habitats, wildlife and the public.
—Maddie Feaster ’21, Habitat Restoration Project Manager at Riverkeeper
International Career Success Program
The INSPIRE Program (International Student Professional Readiness Program) is a badged internship and career success program exclusive to Pace. Year after year, this one-of-a-kind program empowers international students to achieve results in obtaining internships, jobs, and salary outcomes. Domestic students, we have an equivalent program for you called ASPIRE.
Where Pace Graduates are Employed
- Construction Manager, Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, PC
- Ecological Monitoring Coordinator, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture
- Environmental Justice Manager, New York Power Authority
- Environmental Scientist, Avanti Corporation
- Horticulture Program Manager, Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Invasive Species Technician, NYS Office of Parks and Recreation
- Lead Regional Stewardship Technician, NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
- Legislative Analyst, Oklahoma State Senate
- New York State Governor's Representative, Upper Hudson Valley Region
- Northeast Carbon Alliance Project Manager, Scenic Hudson
- Policy Associate, Farm Animal Program, Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, D.C.
- Policy Organizer, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance
- Refuse Manager and Wildlife Biologist, US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Regional Deputy Director, US Senate Majority Leader
- Research Analyst, Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy at CT DEEP
- Solar Program Associate, SolarOne
- Sustainability Program Associate, New York University
- Wetlands Permit Manager, NYS Department of Environmental Conversation
Featured Faculty
Professor
Professor Aiello-Lammens’ research interests include plant ecology, invasion biology, global change biology, and quantitative ecology.
Professor
Professor Rubbo’s research interests include wildlife conservation and management (specifically reptiles and amphibians), wetlands ecology, and disease ecology.
Admission and Financial Aid
You're ready for a new level of success—whether it's advancing in your current field or launching a new career. Pace is with you every step of the way, providing a world-class education and the skills your industry will be looking for far into the future.
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- A personal statement explaining to the Graduate Admission Committee why you would like to pursue the program of graduate study you have chosen. Additional information regarding your academic performance, as well as professional experience, may also be included in the supplement.
- A resume or outline describing at least the past five years of your employment history and any significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities.
- Applicants need 2 letters of recommendation. Letters should be from academic or professional references that can knowledgeably comment on your ability to successfully complete graduate study. Include recognitions and achievements (e.g. licenses, publications, and awards).
- All Official Transcripts: Transcripts from every accredited college or university attended (not just the degree granting institution) must be sent either to Pace University, directly from the academic institution electronically or by mail, or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes from the academic institution.
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Per credit: $1,150 | Total cost of program: $41,400-$44,850
*Tuition based on current year and subject to change. -
Fall Term
- Domestic Students: August 1
- International Students: June 1
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Make an appointment to meet with you admission counselor.
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Every admitted student is automatically considered for all available financial aid options, assessed based on both availability and individual need. Financial resources include:
- Merit-based Scholarships: Awards of up to $7,000, automatically considered during the application process.
- Graduate Assistantships: Opportunities for hands-on experience while earning financial support.
- Endowed Scholarships: Awards funded by generous donors to support student success.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: A federal loan program with favorable terms.
- Graduate/Professional Direct PLUS Loan: For students who need additional funding.
- Work-Study Programs: Part-time work opportunities to help fund your education.
- Military Benefits: Includes the GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Pace’s Veteran Tuition Scholarship.
For more information about affordability and the full range of financial aid options, visit Pace University Financial Aid.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Contact Us
Admission Contact
Office of Graduate Admission
Phone: (212) 346-1531
Email: graduateadmission@pace.edu
Departmental Contact
Michelle Land, JD
Email: mland@pace.edu