Kirsten (Kat) Taylor, a third-year Master of Environmental Management (MEM) and Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concurrent degree student, recently shared insights into why she's pursuing concurrent degrees, advice for students considering the concurrent degree path and her favorite memory so far.

Why did you choose to pursue a concurrent degree with the MEM?

I really love and value how the MEM degree has prepared me with a deeper understanding of environmental economics, facilitating community-led environmental decision-making, and national/state level policy.

I decided to add on the concurrent degree in city and regional planning because I wanted a deeper understanding of the local laws and politics that drive individual decisions about climate solutions. Together, the programs are preparing me to support communities in deciding what they want to do and guiding them to the many options they have for implementing their vision. 

What skills or experiences did you gain across the concurrent degree program that have been most beneficial in your professional life?

This concurrent degree program has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of policy at a national, state and local level. Together, the degrees have helped me understand how to collaborate with communities, support organizations in navigating decisions and political situations and prepared me with technical skills (GIS, R Studio, economic analysis, etc.).

What advice would you give to students considering a concurrent degree path or currently in the program?

Do your best to take courses at both schools throughout your three-year program. This can enrich your experience with your peers and help you maintain existing connections to each school throughout your experience. Relationship-building is one of the richest parts of graduate school and needing to be at both schools throughout your program is a great way to make it easier to maintain these relationships.

What is your favorite memory from your time in the program?

Getting to attend events by each department and socialize with people I really care about outside of class.