Master of Environmental Management

Degree Focus

Master of Environmental Management (MEM) students receive in-depth training in:

Principles of economics, management, finance, law and/or policy
Environmental science
Data manipulation and analysis
Professional and technical communication
Time management, organization, project management and teamwork

Students also receive training in additional skills through courses offered in their individual master's concentrations.

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MEM Program Areas

Master of Environmental Management students choose one of seven specialized program areas as a focal point for their studies.

Business & Environment

Students in BE learn how to help organizations of all sizes and in any sector implement environmentally sustainable business practices. Students hone their skills and knowledge through practical applications, client-based consulting projects and interactions with industry leaders.

Coastal Environmental Management

CEM students focus on the complex interactions between people and oceans. Students gain a deep understanding of coastal processes and environments, while learning to assess how human activities affect—and are affected by—these vital ecosystems.

Ecosystem Science & Conservation

With a focus on the natural and social sciences, the ESC program gives students the knowledge and skills needed to advance the sustainable stewardship of our natural resources.

Ecotoxicology & Environmental Health

Students focus on understanding how pollutants affect the health of people and ecosystems. They'll assess the fate, effects and risks of pollutants using a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates toxicology, environmental chemistry, risk assessment and ecology.

Energy & Environment

The EE program trains students to become expert problem solvers with the interdisciplinary skills and knowledge needed to lead the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Environmental Economics & Policy

Students learn to inform effective solutions for today’s national and international environmental problems by analyzing how households, businesses, governments and other stakeholders react to existing and proposed environmental and resource policies.

Water Resources Management

The WRM program provides a core understanding of the natural science shaping the water cycle, the social contexts and processes that drive changes in water availability and use, and the economic, legal and financial factors that shape water management decisions.

We Are Duke Environment: A Community of Purpose and Passion

Dean Toddi Steelman introduces the amazing opportunities to become an environmental leader at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment -- a community of purpose!

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Nicholas School Financial Aid Helping Forge Future Leaders

Join 2nd-year Nicholas School MEM/MF student, Kendall DeLyser, as she shares insights into her studies and how financial aid support helped her pursue her education.

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Exploring Durham: Nicholas School Students Offer Insider’s Guide to Local Food Scene

Master of Environmental Management students Lily and Ali share some of their favorite spots to eat and drink around Durham, including the Durham Farmer's Market, The Pit, The Parlour, Fullsteam Brewery and more.

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Why Taylor Price Chose the Nic School's MEM Program

Taylor Price MEM'18 shares why the Nicholas School's Master of Environmental Management program was the best choice for her studies in environmental policy.

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Leading the Charge

You’ll find Nicholas School alums pursuing their passion and making positive impacts worldwide. Our programs give them the foundational knowledge and practical skills to become leaders and innovators in a wide array of fields and sectors.