Antioch University New England - Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies - Overview
Leading Program in Environmental Studies at Antioch New England
Known for its rigorous academic standards, practice-oriented study, and a collaborative learning environment committed to ecological stewardship and a just and sustainable society, Antioch University New England (AUNE) offers one of the nation's leading environmental studies programs. AUNE has awarded environmental studies graduate degrees to more students than any other graduate school in the nation, and has produced some of the brightest scientists, managers, educators, and activists in the field.
Environmental Studies Overview
At AUNE, students will find peers and faculty members working side-by-side in the classroom and in the field, digging soil pits, mapping forest composition, tracking wildlife, or creating self-sustaining miniature biospheres. The Department of Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England awards the Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Studies degree in 6 areas of concentration; the MS in Resource Management and Conservation degree; and a PhD degree in Environmental Studies.
Through internships and capstone projects, MS students have many opportunities to build their resumes and career networks and to connect theory with practice.
A thesis or final project requires each master's student to develop and define research questions, gather conceptual and background data from related studies, identify protocols for appropriate data collection and analysis, and follow the work through to completion. Optional field study trips in the US and abroad provide expanded opportunities for learning.
Environmental Studies Department faculty members are deeply committed to creating valuable learning opportunities for students; their research projects often serve as field sites for students. Most faculty members are involved in the environmental field as conservation biologists, consultants, field naturalists, and educators. Many are active in state and local governments
MS in Environmental Studies -- Conservation Biology
The Conservation Biology concentration provides students with the research and field skills to understand the connections between ecology and real-life conservation issues. Graduates leave with well-rounded educations, and are able to do rigorous science and understand the social perspectives essential to forging effective conservation initiatives. They are prepared for a variety of careers in wildlife biology, marine biology, ecology, and conservation.
MS in Environmental Studies ¿ Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability
The Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability concentration prepares students for activist careers as public interest advocates and grassroots organizers working for ecological sustainability, social justice, and democratic influence of the environmental agendas of corporations. The curriculum focuses on ecological literacy and the science of sustainability; big-picture political analysis, vision, and strategy; organizing and advocacy skills; nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship; and personal transformation and self-renewal.
MS in Environmental Studies ¿ Environmental Education
The Environmental Education concentration equips students to become effective environmental educators with working knowledge of natural history and foundations in ecological principles, earth systems science, and global environmental change. The program provides students with understanding of the learning process and how the social, political, and economic aspects of human systems impact the ecological system. Graduates seek careers in national parks, higher education, wildlife conservation, museums, nature centers, and government and non-profit organizations.
MS in Environmental Studies -- Unique Science Teacher Certification
The AUNE Science Teacher Certification concentration is the only science teacher certification graduate program in the country housed in an environmental studies department. Consequently, graduate students who select this concentration are interested in infusing their middle level science classes (grades 5-9) and life sciences (grades 7-12) with ecology, environmental science, and natural history. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers in public school science classrooms or non-formal educational settings such as science museums, nature centers, and environmental learning centers.
MS in Environmental Studies -- Sustainable Development and Climate Change
The Sustainable Development and Climate Change (SDCC) concentration integrates courses in environmental science, social science, and organizational leadership. Graduates prepare for a variety of environmental careers in the public and private sectors, including environmental regulation, environmental consulting, local and regional planning, and environmental non-profit leadership.
The SDCC program has been approved for affiliation as a Professional Science Master's (PSM) degree program by the Council of Graduate Schools. Students can choose to follow the PSM track of studies or the non-PSM policy track of studies.
MS in Environmental Studies -- Self-Designed Studies
Self-Designed Studies provides an avenue for students whose interests lie at the intersection of disciplines, such as nature and writing, conservation and communications, agriculture and community, art and environment, ecology and psychology. Students work with advisers to develop curricula that integrate advanced coursework in their areas of interest with foundation courses in environmental studies.
MS in Resource Management and Conservation
The MS in Resource Management and Conservation (RMC) degree program is designed for working professionals who seek effective leadership roles in the emerging field of environmental management. The program combines relevant theory and real-world experience to help students develop the skills needed to manage complex environmental projects and address climate change.
RMC students master in-depth understanding of climate change science, risk assessment, and energy sustainability, as well as organizational and social leadership, financial administration, and project management, all within the context of socioeconomic sustainability. Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of private, public, academic, and non-profit organizations as resource economists, public policy administrators, and environmental project managers. The degree can be completed in 16 months through Friday afternoon and weekend courses that meet about once a month.
PhD in Environmental Studies
The doctoral program in Environmental Studies is designed for active environmental scholars and professionals. Students specialize in a research areas that they are passionate about and apply the theories and methods best suited to their research interests. The program combines science, policy, humanities, and education to impart doctoral level knowledge and insight needed to address complex local, national, and international environmental issues with sustainable initiatives. Structured coursework and individualized learning are integrated within a multidisciplinary community of advanced environmental scholars and professionals with wide-ranging interests -- ecologists, geologists, historians, artists, writers, and educators.
Doctoral students in this low-residency program are mentored by faculty advisers who work closely with them throughout the curriculum on research development, dissertation choices, and scholarly direction. Students have a maximum limit of 10 years from their dates of entry to complete all degree requirements, including their dissertations, and 79 semester-hour credits beyond the master's degrees. The program combines intensive sessions on campus with independent research and collaborative communication online, as well as service learning.
Campus and Surroundings
Antioch University New England (AUNE) is a private graduate school in Keene, New Hampshire, that is one of the Antioch University System's 5 campuses. The others are located in Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; Santa Barbara, California; and Yellow Springs, Ohio. Antioch University is a nonprofit private 501(c) (3) organization and member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Keene, New Hampshire is located in the southwest corner of the state in the beautiful Monadnock Region. The area is considered one of New England's "hidden treasures," with many historical landmarks, sophisticated cultural attractions, and popular annual events.