Colleagues:
As you advise your students on options for graduate study, I hope you will call their attention to the interdisciplinary program in Global Environmental Politics at American University’s School of International Service. Among the defining features of our program are the following:
Innovative degree options: SIS offers both a professional Master’s degree in Global Environmental Policy (GEP) and a unique dual-degree program in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (NRSD), in partnership with the UN-mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica.
A commitment to service: The School of International Service is the most diverse graduate program in international studies in the United States, with a core mission of service and strong commitments to globalism, social justice, and civil society. In addition to its environmental programs, the school features innovative programs in areas such as international development, peace and conflict resolution, and international communications that serve as resources for GEP and NRSD students.
Strategic Washington location: Our Washington location provides access to a host of intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations for site visits, research, internships, and employment. As one of the longest-standing masters programs of its type, we have a large alumni network that provides students with access to institutions, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Faculty expertise: Our core faculty includes Ken Conca (global governance, water, environment/conflict/peacebuilding); Garrett Graddy (agro-ecology, political ecology, biodiversity, bio-ethics); Sikina Jinnah (climate, global governance, international institutions); Simon Nicholson (food security, biotechnology, political economy of sustainability); Malini Ranganathan (urban issues, water and energy, climate adaptation and risk reduction); Judy Shapiro (China, Asia, environmental security, environmental justice); and Paul Wapner (practice of environmentalism, social movements, environmental ethics). We also have several affiliated faculty of international reputation, including Robin Broad (environment, development, globalization), Dan Fiorino (US environmental policy), David Hunter (international environmental law), and Matthew Nisbet (climate change, US environmental movement, environmental communication).
Leading by example: Our green building (LEED-certified Gold), designed by Cradle to Cradle author William McDonough, provides an important hub for sustainability events in the Washington area. Our campus has the largest installed solar capacity of any institution in Washington, and we are involved actively in American University’s ambitious commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020.
For more information, contact Dr. Judy Shapiro <[email protected]> or see http://www.american.edu/sis/gep/Index.cfm
