Master of Environmental Management

The MSEM graduate program offers a perfect blend of science, policy, and management skills to address the issues facing environmental managers today.

Alabama State Park Employee In The Woods

Safeguard Our Future

Gain the skills needed to combat pollution, water contamination and other environmental issues plaguing communities today with our Master of Science in Environmental Health, Policy and Management.

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“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

Is This Program for Me?

The Master of Science in Environmental Health, Policy and Management (MSEM) is an online, 36-hour, non-thesis program designed to give you interdisciplinary skills to tackle some of the world’s most challenging environmental issues in as little as a year. It is designed for working professionals and students looking to make a difference in communities around the world through better environmental management.

Prerequisites

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts from an accredited four-year institution
TOEFL score of 90

*The GRE is not required for enrollment.

What Makes Us Different?

The MSEM program provides an interdisciplinary approach to its curriculum blending science, policy and ethical skills.

The courses being taught 100% online by our distinguished faculty give you the flexibility to advance your career at your own pace. Having industry experts lead our program ensures you understand the ins and outs of the industry while also providing a unique opportunity to network with professionals and form connections that could be valuable for your career in the future. This combination of flexibility and industry connections makes the program an excellent choice for those who want to gain expertise in the environmental field while also building a network of professional contacts.

“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

Shape Your Academic Journey

By offering joint degrees in law and business and certificates in Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Management, you can customize your education and expand your expertise to increase your appeal to potential employers. You can either pursue the MSEM degree, a joint degree or a certificate on its own. 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

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

The graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems makes you proficient in acquiring, managing and analyzing spatial data using cutting-edge geospatial software, specifically focusing on environmental applications. These skills are critical in processing spatial data and conducting investigations for various environmental jobs. This certificate can be earned separately or in conjunction with the MSEM degree.

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

Certificate in Environmental Management

The graduate certificate in Environmental Management is an online program that teaches you how to manage an environmental project, lead a team and integrate social, economic and political systems to solve environmental problems. This certificate can be earned separately or in conjunction with the MSEM degree.

“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

Skills You Will Learn

This program centers around the theme “Policy, Water and Energy.” Our courses on energy and the environment, water management, sustainability, environmental justice, environmental law and policy, and regulations will ensure you graduate with marketable skills needed for an exciting career in a growing, sustainably focused, environmental job market.

Prepare technical papers, briefings or presentations to communicate risk and solutions to stakeholders.
Apply key terms, facts, concepts and principles to solve environmental problems.
Identify the risks to air, water and soil quality that are caused by environmental hazards.
Develop risk reduction strategies to reduce or eliminate environmental harm.
Employ project management processes and analytical tools to solve environmental problems.
Align sustainability initiatives with the organization's mission, values and goals.
Research scientific, engineering, economic and congressional information for statutory, regulatory and sustainable approaches to environmental problems.

Credit Hours

Joint Degrees

100%

Online

Certifications

Market Ready

The MSEM program's interdisciplinary approach to its curriculum, combining environmental theories with practical workplace applications, gives you a great depth of knowledge and makes you more attractive to potential employers. Our graduates are 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 some of the most successful people in the environmental industry today. Many of them move on to work for government organizations, industry, educational institutions and nonprofit programs that are dedicated to solving environmental issues and protecting wildlife.