Master in Environmental Policy

General objectives

The Master in Environmental Policy is a multidisciplinary degree preparing the next generation of policymakers, project managers, analysts and auditors of environmental issues at the global level through rigorous training into the scientific, legal, economic, political and social aspects of climate change, biodiversity, water management and energy transition. 

It responds to an urgent need worldwide for critical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in strategic decision-making regarding environmental and natural resources issues. To this end, the Master provides students with an in-depth understanding of policy tools and processes while developing their literacy in earth sciences and environmental issues.

Main orientations and specific features

The curriculum in Environmental Policy at PSIA offers advanced training in the tools and processes of policy-making on environmental matters, while providing students with the critical knowledge and skills necessary to understand key issues, dilemmas and trade-offs related to environmental sustainability and the climate transition at the global level.

Through high-profile courses on climate change and action, natural resources governance and biodiversity management, students develop a holistic understanding of contemporary environmental debates, challenges and policies. Equipped with the critical skills needed to identify and analyze opportunities and constraints in global sustainability strategies in both the public and the private sectors, students are also provided with practical, scientific and technical tools and knowledge, allowing them to navigate between policy-makers, scientists and private operators. 

The Master is closely connected to the CARE Program, an innovative, state-of-the-art, carbon neutral program led by PSIA in partnership with the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and the University of Guelph, with the support of the DRG Foundation, which aims to contribute to shaping a new generation of climate-conscious global leaders and citizens.

Canadian students accepted in the Master are eligible for the CARE Scholarships.

Program structure

In accordance with PSIA’s Pedagogical Committee approved degree structure, students starting the Environmental Policy program in September 2020 will follow the program structure below. 

Further details regarding PSIA’s general program structure.

Download the Program structure (PDF, 64 Kb).

The degree structure for students in the following programs can be found at: Dual Degree program, Joint Master program and One-Year Master program.

The “Justice Environnementale et Transition Ecologique” (JETE) Clinic is a selective program available to the students registered in the Master in Environmental Policy (including students registered in a dual degree or a one-year program). For more information, please visit the Law School Clinics page. 

Programs

• Fall courses - Semester 1
• Fall courses - Semester 3
• Spring courses - Semester 2
• Spring courses - Semester 4

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Master in Environmental Policy engage in a diverse and exciting range of careers. Prospects span across the private and public sectors, as well as international organizations and the not-for-profit field. As environmental sustainability becomes an increasingly central issue to all aspects of politics and the economy, the degree is taking graduates towards an increasingly varied set of professional horizons.

The program prepares our graduates to work for international and national agencies, national ministries, and local administrations for positions involving the creation, management and assessment of public policies and projects concerning the environment and sustainable development, in the private sector, prospective employers include NGOs, corporations, consulting groups, and banks investing in sustainable development.

Other careers include journalism and communication on environmental issues for the media, internal and external communication services for companies, and consulting in communication for both private and public institutions on the environmental and social aspects of sustainable development.

Testimonials from graduates

• Francky, Policy Assistant, The European External Action Service (EEAS)
• Anna, Chargée d'interventions “international cooperation”, Agence de l'Eau Rhin-Meuse (AREM)
• Liudas, Business Controller, Johnson & Jonhson MedTech Nordics
• Malak, Consultant with a focus on water-food nexus policy analysis
• Emma, Junior Blue Carbon Consultant, EcoAct
• Fabian, Mercator Fellow on International Affairs
• Michelle, Director of sustainability, Condé Nast, London
• Marit, Climate Change Specialist, the World Bank's Climate Change Group
• Hélène, Associate Project Officer, UNESCO
• Jayasurya, Environment and Trade Consultant, UN Environment Program
• Cecilia, Content and Initiatives Officer, Women's Forum for the Economy & Society
• Lauren, Project Lead at the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
• Alejandra, Research Assistant, The European Chair for Sustainable Development and Climate Transition
• Maria, Economist, Peruvian Ministry of Finance
• Michaela, Communication and Membership Assistant, EUROPARC Federation
• Shashwati, Project Manager and Research Advisor, Autonomy Paris

Discover PSIA 2024 Summa Cum Laude: 

• Florence Wabinski

CONTACTS

Scientific Advisor: Professor Shiv Someshwar

Academic Advisor: Aghiad Ghanem

Academic Assistant: Farida Moumeni

Secretariat open:

• Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-12:45 and 2:15-4:45
• Wednesday and Friday 9:30-12:45

Key information about the application process (requirements, documents, deadlines and calendar, etc) can only be found on Sciences Po’s Admissions website.