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 program areas.

Curriculum Update: We are making changes to our Master of Environmental Management (MEM) curriculum that will impact students matriculating in Fall 2023 and beyond. For details, please visit the new MEM curriculum FAQ page.

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 and manage how human activities affect—and are affected by—these vital ecosystems.

Ecosystem Science & Conservation

Through a flexible, individualized curriculum, students in the ESC program gain a solid foundation in the natural sciences that support the stewardship of our natural resources, as well as complementary social sciences that inform management decisions.

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.

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meet the marine lab

Our year-round coastal campus in Beaufort, N.C. is home to research, teaching and student life facilities. Whether you spend a day or a year, the Duke University Marine Lab is a unique resource for all of our students.

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applying Geospatial Analysis skills

Discover how Duke's environmental master's degrees provide opportunities to gain cutting-edge skills in geographic information systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing and drone technology.

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Financial Aid Helping Forge Future Leaders

Kendall DeLyser shares insights into her studies and how financial aid support helped her pursue her education.

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Why Taylor Price Chose Duke

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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an Insider’s Guide to Durham favorites

MEM 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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pie chart employment by sector 2019 grads

JOBS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The majority of our recent graduates report finding a position in their chosen or related field within 6 months of graduation. Of those, 44% are employed in the consulting or private sector, while 24% attained jobs with state, local or the federal government

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I chose the Nicholas School at Duke, first and foremost, because I wanted to be a leader in my career field. I also wanted the best network possible, both among my fellow students while at school, and then as an alumnus of the program."

–reed perry, mem'19

I really like the community here. It means a lot to me when I realize I'm surrounded by people who have the same passion for the environment as I do."

–Sunny QIAO, MEM'19

Also Related

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs provide an opportunity for students to dive deeper into a specific environmental area, and develop real world knowledge and skills to carry into the professional ranks.

Students investigating the impact of a recent hurricane on sooty tern habitat in the Dry Tortugas.

Master's Projects

A culminating hands-on experience, the Master’s Project combines the academic rigor of a thesis with the practical experience of an internship, allowing students to apply the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired in the classroom to projects that tackle real-world environmental challenges.

three students presenting their masters project

Internships

Internships are an integral part of the Nicholas School experience. These work experiences typically last between 10-12 weeks, occur in the summer between semesters, and offer enormous benefits for our students and the organizations they serve.

sidney mclaurin concurrent degrees horizontal

Concurrent Degree Programs

Many graduates find that holding two master’s degrees from Duke (or from Duke and a partner institution) increases their marketability, expands their career flexibility and allows them to pursue highly rewarding areas of professional specialization much sooner than if they held just one master’s degree.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Connect with us at an upcoming event to meet our admissions team and gain in-depth information about our degree programs.

Check out the how to apply page for admissions requirements and deadlines, and to begin working on your application.

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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.