Earn a Master of Environmental Management | Samford University

The MSEM graduate program at Samford University combines science, policy, and management skills, equipping students to tackle today’s environmental challenges.

Alabama State Park Employee In The Woods

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Environmental Health, Policy & Management

Gain the skills needed to combat pollution, water contamination and other environmental issues plaguing communities today.

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100%

Online

Credit Hours

8-week

Terms

Continuous

Enrollment

Is This Program for Me?

The Master of Science in Environmental Health, Policy and Management (MSEM) equips you with necessary skills to tackle some of the world’s most challenging environmental issues in as little as a year. The program is designed for working professionals or graduate students who are called to make a difference in communities around the world through better environmental management.

Key Dates

Summer 2025
Application Deadline: May 19, 2025
Classes Begin: June 2, 2025

Fall 2025
Application Deadline: August 12, 2025
Classes Begin: August 26, 2025

Spring 2026
Application Deadline: December 29, 2025
Classes Begin: January 12, 2026

Program Prerequisites

You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution and must also earn a minimum TOEFL score of 90. The GRE is not required for admission or enrollment in this program.

Additional Information

To explore the academic calendar for start dates, review courses offered in the MSEM program, and learn more by viewing the program's brochure, see the red buttons below.

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View Academic Calendar

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What Makes Us Different?

The MSEM program provides an interdisciplinary approach to its curriculum blending science, policy and ethical skills. Courses taught by industry experts ensure you learn industry standards while also providing a unique opportunity to network with other professionals.

Core Concepts

Water

Identify the risks to air, water, and soil quality that are caused by environmental hazards while applying key terms, facts, concepts, and principles to solve problems.

Policy

Align sustainability initiatives with the organization’s mission, values, and goals. Research scientific, engineering, economic, and congressional information for statutory and regulatory approaches to environmental issues.

Energy

Develop risk reduction strategies to reduce or eliminate environmental harm and employ project management processes and analytical tools to communicate risk and solutions to stakeholders.

Shape Your Academic Journey

By offering joint degrees in law and business and certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Management, you can customize your education and expand your expertise to increase your marketability. You can pursue the MSEM degree, a joint degree, an individual certificate, or pair one of our certificates with the MSEM degree.

Joint Degrees

Environmental Management and Law

Gain a deep understanding of environmental issues, policy and critical background data related to science to prepare you for a career in environmental law. Learn More

Environmental Management and Law

This joint degree between MSEM and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law provides students with a strong background in environmental issues facing society today. The interdisciplinary curriculum in the MSEM program equips you with knowledge of policy and critical background data related to science to prepare you for a career in environmental law. Upon completing the program, you graduate with an MSEM degree and a Juris Doctorate in Law. You must also apply and be admitted into the law school to qualify for this joint degree.

Environment and Business Management

Understand how environmental policies affect operations to help small and large businesses maintain compliance with environmental laws. Learn More

Environment and Business Management

This joint degree between MSEM and Samford University’s Brock School of Business educates you on environmental policies that affect the operation of both small and large businesses. Our curriculum provides you with expertise to help companies remain compliant with environmental laws. Upon completing the program, students graduate with an MSEM degree and a Master of Business Administration. You must also apply and be admitted into the business school to qualify for this joint degree.

Certificates

Geographic Information Systems

Gain proficiency in acquiring, managing and analyzing spatial data using cutting-edge geospatial software, specifically focusing on environmental applications. These skills are critical in processing data and conducting investigations for various environmental jobs. Learn More.

Environmental Management

Learn how to manage an environmental project, lead a team and integrate social, economic and political systems to solve environmental problems. Learn More.

“I would not be where I am today without this degree."

“It has been vitally important to my career and has helped me make good decisions for our county that will last for decades. We’ve invested in property, outdoor recreation space and preservation of the Cahaba River. A lot of the decisions that we make are based on the background knowledge that I gained from the MSEM program.”

Chad Scroggins ‘98, Manager
Shelby County, Alabama

“The MSEM program gave me a lot of flexibility."

“I’m a single mom. I work full-time. And with the classes being completely online, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, it gave me time to do a deep dive into something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always been the type of person that liked working outdoors to preserve the environment.”

LaKedra Byrd '21, Environmental Health Specialist
Air and Radiation Protection Division, Jefferson County Department of Health

“Samford’s MSEM program advanced my knowledge of natural resources and environmental management while simultaneously growing my professional career.

“The program offers a diverse array of courses that I was able to tailor to my career focus. Classes such as Sustainability, Environmental Law and Endangered Species provided valuable tools that are still a key part of my day-to-day work as a park administrator.”

Scottie Jackson '11, Central District Superintendent
Alabama State Parks Division

Prepared to Succeed

The MSEM combines environmental theories with practical workplace applications, enhancing your knowledge and making you more attractive to employers. You will be fully prepared to work for jobs in these areas:

Career Opportunities

Environmental consulting
Environmental health and safety
Wetland delineation
Planning and zoning
Industrial corporations
Energy companies
Banking and land management
Mining and natural resource corporations
Government planning agencies
Federal, state and local government agencies
Environmental nonprofit organizations
Educational institutions

Graduate Careers

Our MSEM graduates are successful leaders in the environmental industry today. Many are employed by government organizations, educational institutions, industry and nonprofit programs that are dedicated to solving environmental issues.