International Environmental Policy transcends national borders (international), focuses on the natural world (environmental), and emphasizes human decisions (policy). The field demands a broad range of knowledge and skills from its practitioners. Our Graduate School of International Policy Studies offers a Masters of Arts in International Environmental Policy (MAIEP) that trains students to tackle complex, global environmental problems with practical policy solutions.
The first and largest of its kind, the Monterey Institute’s MAIEP program bridges the gap between the academic and policy worlds. We provide in-depth core courses in Environmental & Natural Resource Economics, International Environmental Law & Politics, Quantitative Methods for Environmental Science & Policy, and Natural Science Foundations for Environmental Policy. The MAIEP curriculum prepares students with the interdisciplinary skills needed to craft effective policy solutions.
The uniqueness of the MAIEP degree centers around its commitment to educating a new generation of globally-focused environmental policy professionals. MAIEP graduates from more than 30 countries are now leaders in global environmental policy, working in non-profit organizations, for-profit corporations, and numerous governmental and inter-governmental agencies.
Unlike many masters programs, approximately half of the 60 required credits are earned through electives. This gives students increased flexibility to explore many specialty areas. View the course overview for the next two years here.
Unlike larger research universities, Monterey Institute students benefit from easy access to senior faculty who maintain close relationships with major international environmental organizations. This access greatly enhances students’ future career and research opportunities. These opportunities, combined with internships (both during the school year and the summer), weekend workshops, an Environmental Speaker Series, dozens of potential electives, and our International Professional Service Semester (IPSS) program, allow IEP students to maximize their educational experience.
Our graduates pursue careers at multiple levels. Some tackle environmental problems from the top-down, working at the highest levels of decision-making. Others pursue bottom-up approaches, working at the grass-roots level. Whether you want to jet-set around the globe negotiating environmental treaties, or roll up your sleeves and lead a local NGO, we provide the training you need.
In addition to the Monterey Institute experience, the Local Community provides access to a wealth of resources. Academic institutions such as California State University Monterey Bay, and the Naval Postgraduate School offer possibilities to attend lectures, participate in courses, and assist in research. Numerous local organizations contribute to a vibrant environmental community. Examples include the Big Sur Land Trust, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Ventana Wildlife Society, The Organic Farming Research Foundation, The Sustainability Academy, The Monterey Bay Crescent Ocean Research Consortium, The Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station, UC-Santa Cruz, and dozens more. Simply put, Monterey Institute students have access to an abundance of opportunities that can strengthen their skills and advance their professional lives.
GSIPS Dean's Office
dean.gsips@miis.edu
831-647-4155
