Program in Sustainable Environmental Systems

M. S. Program in Sustainable Environmental Systems at Pratt Institute

The School of Architecture at Pratt Institute in New York City, New York, offers a Master of Science in Sustainable Environmental Systems that focuses on "participatory planning and sustainable development." Interdisciplinary in nature, the program helps students acquire a holistic understanding of the complex interactions that contribute to environmental problems and gain the ability to work within multiple disciplines to develop and implement sustainable best practices.

Students graduate from the program with the theoretical and technical expertise as well as the collaboration and critical thinking skills needed to obtain positions as policy analysts, program developers, consultants, project managers, advocates, and entrepreneurs. They also leave the program fully capable of facilitating economic, environmental, and social justice in urban areas.

Pratt Institute

Established in 1887, Pratt Institute is located in New York City, New York in the northeastern region of the United States. This independent college of art, design, and architecture offers 4,800 students 25 undergraduate majors and concentrations and 25 master's degree programs. Its School of Architecture has been ranked among the nation's best by "Design Intelligence" Magazine.

Curriculum Basics

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Sustainable Environmental Systems is a 40-credit program that can be completed in 2 years. To accommodate working professionals, classes are offered in the evenings.

Diverse in nature, the curriculum allows students to create individualized programs that reflect their academic interests and career goals.

Students take both core and elective courses that cover topics such as environmental impact assessment, sustainable communities, green buildings rating systems, environmental economics, and environmental management.

Independent Seminars

The independent seminar provides a formal setting for students to discuss environmental and sustainability issues. The seminar enables students from different backgrounds and academic interests to exchange ideas. In addition, faculty and specialists in the field give lectures about professional practice.

Capstone Requirement

Students are required to complete a capstone project that shows that they have developed the analytical ability and creative skills expected of professionals in the field of environmental systems management. To meet this requirement, students can conduct original research, complete a work-related project, or build upon course-related work.

Diverse Student Body

The graduate program in sustainable environmental systems attracts a population of highly capable students who have a wide-variety of professional experiences, educational backgrounds, and academic interests.

This rich mixture of disciplines, viewpoints, and experience contributes to the interdisciplinary nature of the program and enhances the learning environment.

Experienced Faculty Members

The program's faculty members bring a combination of 'cutting-edge' professional practice and academic expertise to the classroom. They are architects, board members, economic consultants, executives, fund raisers, policy makers, researchers, scientists, urban designers, and writers -- among other professions.

Faculty Members' Professional Endeavors

Eve Baron's professional experience spans government, advocacy, technical assistance, and academia. She's a founding member of the Collective for Community, Culture and Environment--a consultant group of women planners, designers, and analysts whose work is grounded in equity and sustainability. She's also on the Steering Committee of Planners Network, an international network of progressive planners and activists committed to using planning for positive social change.

Eva Hanhardt, is a city and environmental planning consultant who has been teaching at Pratt Institute since 1997 and has worked for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Her practice focuses on community-based and environment planning.