The Master of Public Administration Program in Environmental Science and Policy Class of 2007 Begins Their Studies

Columbia University's Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Environmental Science and Policy welcomed its fifth class on May 30, 2006 with 54 students from 9 countries, including, China, Colombia, Gaza Strip, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States.

The orientation of the incoming class featured introductions by Lisa Anderson, Dean, School of International and Public Affairs, John Mutter, Deputy Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and Steven Cohen, Director, MPA in Environmental Science and Policy.

"We are delighted to welcome another excellent class to the Environmental Science and Policy program, one of SIPA's most innovative degree programs," said Dean Anderson. "The high quality of the students reflects the fact that this mix of science, policy and management education is unique in the world."

The program's faculty was also present to offer an overview of their teaching and research experiences while offering descriptions of their courses. 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.

Sponsored jointly by the Earth Institute at Columbia University and SIPA the program incorporates more science into the curriculum than any other MPA degree on offer at this time.

"We are about training policy analysts and managers for public service careers aimed at protecting this planet's environment," said Steven Cohen, director of the program. "We are about creating a new kind of public sector problem solving professional."

During the summer semester, students focus on the science classes. In the following fall and spring semesters all classes are taught at the Morningside Heights campus and are centered on environmental policy and management. Over the course of the three semesters students complete total of 54 points of credit.

Prospective students are welcome to contact the program administrators to arrange for a campus visit or to sit in on classes.

Said Cohen, "This is an intensive program, but designed to equip students with the policy, management and scientific skills needed to become effective environmental managers."

Now in its fifth year, 196 students have successfully graduated from the program to embark on careers in public, private and not for profit sectors at a variety of firms and organizations. These include: Malcolm Pirnie, United Nations Development Programme: Energy and Environment Group, NASA, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), CH2M HILL, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Resource Defense Council and others.