The New School - Program in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management - Overview
An Urban Studies Graduate Program With an Emphasis on Social Responsibility
The Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management at Milano the New School for Management and Urban Policy prepares students to define environmental policy and to help promote sustainability in institutions.
Milano the New School for Management and Urban Policy was founded in 1975 to train progressive leaders who bring change to organizations and cities. Milano evolved from the J.M. Kaplan Center for New York City Affairs, the first teaching institution devoted to the study of a single urban area. Milano offers 5 master's degree programs and 1 doctoral degree. All programs emphasize ethics and social responsibility.
The New School is a university made up of 8 different schools, each encouraging free thinking and positive change in its students. It was founded in 1919 and ranks first in the United States for small class sizes according to "US News and World Report."
The MS in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management
The MS in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management is designed for students interested in the impact of environmental, social, and financial sustainability within organizations and cities. Students in the program learn how to address challenges such as financial instability, global warming, and the depletion of natural resources. The program prepares students to become managers, analysts, and consultants in the environmental policy field. Graduates of the program typically find work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or corporations.
The Environmental Policy and Sustainability program is interdisciplinary in that it teaches students management skills that are useful in any business, but specifically tailors these skills towards sustainable practices. The program also places an emphasis on urban ecology and preparation for change-management. Students in the program may choose to concentrate in either management or policy.
Curriculum and Coursework for the Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management Master's Program
The 42-credit MS program may be taken full- or part-time. Students in the program complete 3 core management courses, 9 required program courses, and 4 classes in either the policy or management concentration. Before graduation, students complete capstone seminars, each student with his or her own individual research project. Some students may also be required to complete internships.
The program's core curriculum includes courses in basic management and economic skills, the application of statistics to policy and management, and a course that prepares students for the specific challenges of careers in policy-making or management.
After completing the core courses, students take degree-specific courses, including Principles of Environmental Science, Sustainability Perspectives and Practices, and Elements of Finance and Capital Markets.
Experienced Faculty With a Diverse Range of Experiences
Milano's faculty is made up of full-time and visiting instructors who are noted researchers, executives, and managers with industry experience. Faculty members include Professor John Clinton, a former corporation senior consultant on social responsibility for MetLife with a PhD from Fordham University; Charles Allison, the CEO of alternative energy company Interstate Biofuels LLC; and Leigh Graham who researches the politics of community development.
Admission and Financial Aid
Students interested in the environmental policy and sustainability graduate program need a strong academic record and a demonstrated commitment to social progress. GRE scores are recommended for the application to the Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management at Milano the New School for Management and Urban Policy, but are not required. To be considered for admission, each applicant must submit a personal statement, at least 1 letter of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. The admissions committee also values public service and related work experience.
An informational interview is strongly recommended when applying to the MS in Environmental Policy and Sustainability program. An interview gives a student an opportunity to discuss his or her motivation and interest in the program.
Costs for a semester at Milano the New School for Management and Urban Policy include tuition, books and materials, room and board, and fees. Students who need financial assistance can apply for a wide range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Research and Networking Opportunities at the Center for New York City Affairs
The New School's Center for New York City Affairs is a research institution focused on the impact of public policy on low income communities in New York City. One of the center's primary research goals is to increase the effectiveness of government and organization work with these communities.
The center offers several classes for Milano students on policy and advocacy. Students can also participate in the forum discussions at the center and network with professional policy-makers who lead the discussions.
Hands-On Training at the Community Development Finance Project
All Milano students can participate in business and community-based projects through the Community Development Finance Project. Students work with the organization to create business plans and conduct studies for their community and economics-based projects. Students work closely with faculty members to produce redesigned financial models, implementation plans, and business analysis.
Past projects include working with the Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans to create a feasibility analysis for parking structures in a 120-unit mixed-income housing project, and working with the Broadway Housing Communities to determine financial ability to build a new school and museum for a housing project in Harlem.
A Policy and Management Program in the Heart of New York City
The New School offers 88 degree programs and majors to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The school is located in the Greenwich Village area of New York City, with almost immediate access to museums, shopping, restaurants, and theater events.
Studying Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management in New York City gives students access to one of the world's capitals of finance and business. The city affords one of the best places to learn about urban issues, an important focus of environmental policy and sustainability.
Students interested in internships can usually complete them without leaving the city. Past student internships include the working for the NYC Small Business Solutions Hiring Division at the Department of Small Business Services and research assistant at the World Trade Center Health Registry.