MPA Environmental Science and Policy Class of 2005 Graduates

On May 18th, 2005, 54 students graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Environmental Science and Policy degree. In the class were students from several countries, including Tanzania, India, Mexico, Israel, Sweden, Japan, Trinidad, Australia and the United States. This now brings the total number of students that have graduated from the program to 136, building a diverse network of alumni trained to be multi disciplinary environmental professionals.

Sponsored jointly by the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and The Earth Institute at Columbia University, the program incorporates more science into the curriculum than any other MPA degree presently. The aim of the program is not to train students to become scientists, but for them to be able to manage and appreciate the work of scientists in order to parlay the implications of those findings into effective policy. “We are about training policy analysts and managers for public service careers aimed at protecting this planet’s environment,” said Dr. Steven Cohen, director of the program.

During the summer semester, students focus on science classes and spend one day per week at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus. The subsequent fall and spring semesters are centered on environmental policy and management. Over the course of the three semesters, students complete a total of 54 points of credit.

The program’s applied nature means students are able to employ skill used in their new professions. “The program was quick and you get into the work force. It is very practical in that sense, it’s not just academic,” said Andrew Dvoracek, 05. Dvoracek enrolled in the program to gain practical management and environmental policy skills and credits the program for helping him get the position he is in now. Prior to attending the program, Dvoracek, worked as an environmental technician for the Institute for Environmental Assessment. Upon graduating he secured a position as a project manager for EcoSecurities, an environmental policy advisory company, which over the past ten years, has been an advisor to various United Nations agencies, national and regional governments, NGO's and private companies on issues related to climate change policy. He is currently working on developing projects for the Kyoto Protocol. “My favorite aspect of the program was the workshop course. You get two semesters to practice what we eventually need to do out on the job. In the final part we have an actual client. This is where we got to polish our skills,” said Dvoracek.

Other students find that the program’s multi-disciplinary approach instills them with self-assurance and confidence in the work place. “I learned more in one year at the MPA program than I have ever learned in my life about environmental issues,” said Vanessa Cobb, 05. She points out, “The first term courses really made a difference, because having the science background helps you gain the respect of others when you are trying to argue for policies.” Cobb, who worked as an associate client manger for Coca-Cola prior to attending the program, will be working as a project manager for wind power at Zilkha Renewable Energy, a wind energy company, specializing in clean and green electricity in Houston, Texas. Working at her current position, she found that, “It was the practical aspect of the economics course that gave me the tools and experience that I will need for my job.”

Services within SIPA and the specialized MPA program help prepare students for new professions. “The program was excellent. It got me to where I am in my career,” said Catherine Mulvey, 05. Mulvey, graduate from Siena College with a B.S. in Biology, has worked for the Town of Hempstead Department of Conservation and Waterways, as well as the engineering and consulting firm, CDM. While at SIPA, she worked closely with the faculty and the Office of Career Services to apply for the Presidential Management Fellows program, which prepares students for jobs in the Federal services. The application process is both competitive and demanding, but SIPA’s office of career services helps students with their submissions. The MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program has had twelve of its graduates earn these prestigious fellowships. Mulvey is now employed at the Department of Transportation, Volpe Center in Cambridge. She is working on aviation management with the National Parks Department on the environmental effects of transportation.

Of the 54 students that graduated in May, some are now working in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Texas Instruments, the National Cancer Institute, Columbia University’s Earth Institute and other organizations. “This is an intensive program, but designed to equip students with the policy, management and scientific skills needed to become effective environmental managers,” said Cohen.

More information about the program and the courses can be found on line at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/mpaenvironment/. Prospective students are welcome to sit in on classes and talk to with student and faculty. For more information please email Louise Rosen at lar46@columbia.edu or call (212) 854-3142.