Ecological Economics, Values, and Policy (Professional Master’s)

The Departments of Science and Technology Studies and Economics also jointly offer an EEVP master’s program. The program builds on Rensselaer’s nationally recognized expertise and course offerings in the economic, political, social, cultural, and ethical implications in the interactions of science, technology, environment, and society. EEVP is meant for early and mid-career professionals in state and local government, secondary education, business, and the nonprofit sector (professionals in environmental nongovernmental organizations) who wish to upgrade their skills and advance their careers.

Building on required courses in environmental, ecological, and natural resource economics and in environmental philosophy and policy, EEVP helps students acquire the skills such as policy analysis and ecological valuation that are necessary to address the complex multidisciplinary problems any society faces in areas such as environment and health, appropriate technology, and sustainable development. The 21st century promises a continuation of the march toward globalization. Dealing with the prospects and problems of a world economy and the growing human impact on the natural world requires an education that is both broad and deep. EEVP offers “hands on” training that puts into practice the slogan “think globally, act locally.”

Economics requirements for the EEVP master’s degree include two common courses for a total of six credit hours—ECON/STSS 6600 Seminar in EEVP (the common introductory course) and ECON/STSS 6650 EEVP Professional Project (the common capstone course). Also required are four economics courses for a minimum of 12 credit hours.