Career Paths

The positions available to graduates vary depending on their background and interests, but examples of organizations that have hired graduates of this program include environmental consulting firms, the USDA Forest Service, a non-profit organization established to market paper products manufactured without the use of chlorine, and a state agency responsible for developing and implementing solid waste programs.  In general, professionals skilled in environmental policy analysis and citizen participation fill an important niche. Industrial firms, governments, and non-profit organizations recognize the need for professionals who combine technical and socio-political expertise.

Academia

Our new Ph.D. program has been designed to train students to become successful academics and researchers in a variety of environmentally-related fields.

PhD and Law School Programs

Many of our MS graduates have gone on to PhD and law school programs, some after a couple years working with a  public or private organization.  Students who wish to pursue an advanced degree are well-prepared by our program.   We provide research skills and support finding and transitioning into top quality advanced graduate degree programs.

Industry and Private Firms

Private sector employment is typically in policy-related positions of manufacturing corporations and large engineering firms. Industrial firms have witnessed first-hand the difficulty experienced when technically-trained engineers are unprepared to participate in regulatory hearings, policy-related conferences, and public meetings. National business leaders likewise report greatly increased need for their managers to combine technical proficiency with understanding of policy development, decision-making, and the interests of community groups and members.

Federal, State and Local Government

The public sector has recognized for some time the need for environmental managers with a broad interdisciplinary training in policy processes and social or natural sciences. Federal regulatory agencies often have direct contact with community-based citizen groups and are faced with citizen needs that go well beyond what can be addressed through the mandated, formal hearing process. State agencies, such as Michigan's department of Natural Resources and Environment, are also active in local communities.

Placed between the demands of national policies and the needs of local communities and businesses, state environmental offices are in a unique position to mediate the socio-political demands of many stakeholders in disputes. County, city, and tribal governments in the Great Lakes region must respond to new environmental programs and policies. Graduates with undergraduate degrees in engineering, social science, or natural science combined with a professional degree in Environmental Policy are very attractive candidates for local positions.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit Organizations and consulting firms need technically-trained policy and environmental specialists. This sector is an important source of employment for graduates of environmental policy programs. As lobbyists and public education organizations, non-profits often mediate between large questions of public policy and the environmental concerns of everyday citizens.

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