Training Conservation Professionals for Belize
Master of Environmental Management Degree with a concentration in Coastal Environmental Management
This is a two-year program with a mixture of course work and field experience. While science is at the core of the program, it is not required that students have an undergraduate major in science. Students enrolled in the Master of Environmental Management degree program spend one year at Duke’s main campus in Durham, North Carolina and one year at the Marine Lab on the North Carolina coast. Courses include Resource and Environmental Economics, Ocean Science, Marine Policy, at least three courses in quantitative and analytical methods of resource analysis, and a Coastal Environmental Management Seminar. A Master’s Project is required and a summer internship is strongly recommended.
The Nicholas School of the Environment is widely recognized as one of the top environmental schools in the world. Yet Belize – with its extraordinary ecological treasures – does not have a cadre of environmental professionals trained in the unique blend of environmental science and policy that the Nicholas School provides. The Duke Center for Marine Conservation, with funding from The Oak Foundation, is offering a unique opportunity that provides tuition, fees, living expenses and summer internship stipends for our Master of Environmental Management Award winners.
Masters students are selected by an Admissions Committee composed of faculty and staff. Qualified applicants must have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent by the time of matriculation. The Committee considers grades and GRE test scores as critical components in determining academic qualifications. Applicants whose first language is not English must also provide official valid TOEFL scores for consideration. Work experience, especially in an environmental field, is desired. However, some students are admitted directly from their undergraduate experience. Each applicant is considered in comparison within the pool of applicants for admission. The final decision is based on the excellence of the application, including grades, scores and recommendations as well as the passion and commitment demonstrated in the personal statement Personal statements and letters of reference, particularly those from former professors, carry great weight.
Each applicant will be asked to write a personal statement describing his or her commitment to Belize and how knowledge and skills gained through participation in the Nicholas School program will be employed in service to Belize. The strength and sincerity of this statement will be a key factor in the selection process. Only candidates who are committed to returning to live and work in Belize will be considered in the final selection.
For further information about our Master of Environmental Management please visit: http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/programs/professional/
For information on our Coastal Environmental Management program please visit: http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/programs/professional/cem.html
If you are interested in participating in this unique educational opportunity
please complete the Nicholas School application
http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/admissions/forms.html
After you have completed your application on line please forward:
- A copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
- Personal Statement – Outlining your experiences to date. Please describe your commitment to Belize and how the knowledge and skills gained through the Nicholas School Programs will be employed in service to Belize. Only candidates who are committed to returning to live and work in Belize will be considered in the final selection. Your personal statement can be submitted electronically.
- Letters of Reference. Please note: Letters of reference may also be submitted electronically. Paper recommendations need to be sent in sealed envelopes with the signature of the recommender across the flap.
Upon completion of the abovementioned items, please forward copies for
preliminary review to:
The Duke Center for Marine Conservation
Attention: Debbie Pease
Duke University Marine Lab
135 Duke Marine Lab Road
Beaufort, NC 28516
Or email to drpease1@duke.edu Documents
may be faxed to Attention: Debbie Pease at (252) 504-7689. Debbie Pease
may be contacted by phone at (252) 504-7690.