Majors and Certificates
The world of sustainability is vast and interdisciplinary. The University of Denver offers many ways for students to dive into different aspects and approaches to sustainability studies at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. For those who choose to make sustainability a central focus of their academic work at DU, opportunities to learn in dynamic cohorts and experience-focused programs await.
Graduate Programs
Graduate School of Social Work
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Concentration in Sustainable Development and Global Practice
The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work is the only one in the country that offers a concentration specifically related to sustainability and its intersections with social work. Students receive a Master of Social Work (MSW) and will have the opportunity to create meaningful connections among humans, animals and the environment. This program is open to any student who holds an undergraduate degree, and will prepare students for both clinical and non-clinical social work, and will challenge them to draw on their passion for justice and sustainability to find ways of healing the earth.
Sturm College of Law
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Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental and Natural Resource Law and Policy
The LLM in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy (ENRLP) allows law students to develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this complex legal field. The program is open to students who hold a JD degree or foreign equivalent. The degree provides students the opportunity to hone their legal knowledge through the core ENRLP courses, including natural resources law, environmental law, energy law and many more. They can also participate in the Environmental Law Clinic, the University of Denver Water Law Review and internships for a well-rounded education and real-world legal experience.
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Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Environmental and Natural Resource Law and Policy
The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy (ENRLP) allows students to broaden their understanding of the policies and laws affecting their area of expertise. This comprehensive program provides well-rounded preparation for environmental and natural resources professionals to possess a thorough knowledge of the legal issues on a national and global scale. The program is open to those who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree, irrespective of subject matter area. Students have the chance to take innovative coursework, including the ENRLP core curriculum, as well as innovative courses in renewable energy and sustainable development. Students can also gain hands-on experience through participation in the University of Denver Water Law Review.
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Certificate in Natural Resources Law and Policy
The Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver offers one of the only JD certificates focused on natural resources, and students who choose to pursue it will be offered a wide range of connections, opportunities and challenges. The certificate program explores the forces and ideas that shape legislation concerning the environment and resource use, and bases much of its focus on experiential learning. The program is open to both students at Sturm College of Law and other students who have earned a related undergraduate degree.
University College
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Masters in Environmental Policy and Management
DU’s University College caters to working professionals and remote students, offering most of their courses either online or during the evenings. The masters program in Environmental Policy and management allows students to choose one of seven different concentrations, depending on their interests and professional goals: Energy and Sustainability, Environmental Analytics and Reporting, Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Health and Safety, Natural Resource Management or Supply Chain Management. Additionally, any of the concentrations can be taken as a certificate program instead of a full masters program, which opens a wide array of possibilities to both on-campus and remote students.
Korbel School of International Studies
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Master of Arts (MA) in Global Environmental Sustainability
Our MA in Global Environmental Sustainability takes an engaged, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the causes and consequences of global change, informing strategies for action, and preparing students for impactful and meaningful careers. We seek always to connect the global to the local and to empower our students to make a difference at every level. Our graduates are prepared to hold key positions in important organizations worldwide in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
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Certificate in Global Environmental Change and Adaptation
For students seeking a global perspective on sustainability, this certificate program will explore innovative policy solutions to the growing challenges posed by increased demands on global resources and climate change. The Global Environmental Change & Adaptation certificate can be applied in tandem with any of Korbel’s 90-credit-hour MA programs. You must be accepted into the Joseph Korbel School to pursue this certificate.
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Certificate in Global Business and Corporate Social Responsibility
As a joint offering between the Daniels College of Business and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, the graduate certificate in Global Business and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the University of Denver focuses specifically on the challenges and opportunities businesses confront in a globalized and developing world. This certificate allows students to pursue a truly interdisciplinary approach to understanding the intersections between sustainability, business and globalization.
Daniels College of Business
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Masters of Business Administration (Denver MBA)
The Denver MBA program allows students to take courses and complete business and design challenges concurrently. One of the challenges Denver MBA students face is the Social Good Challenge, which has students apply their learning to help others by demonstrating measurable progress on a social improvement initiative. The initiative could be a sustainability/social responsibility challenge, a troublesome issue for a nonprofit or another form of social impact. This challenge, paired with other work the Denver MBA students complete, helped rank the Denver MBA at number two on the Princeton Review’s Best Green MBA list, which ranks schools based on student ratings of how well their MBA program is preparing them to address environmental, sustainability and social responsibility issues in their careers.
College of Natural Science and Mathematics
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PhD in Geography and the Environment
The PhD in geography emphasizes biogeography, climatology, cultural geography, economic geography, environmental change, geographic information science, geomorphology, human environment interaction, Latin America, population, Quaternary studies, transportation geography, water resources and urban geography. Students in the program will be expected to produce a high-quality dissertation of substantial scope. A PhD in geography will prepare students to pursue careers in higher education, with federal and state agencies, and in a range of other fields requiring specialized geographic knowledge.
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Master of Arts (MA) in Geography and the Environment
An MA in geography focuses on the department's three areas of expertise: physical geography, human geography and human-environment interaction. Rigorous coursework and research culminate in a thesis project. Opportunities for field training abound, both in the US and abroad, and the department will help support students' career goals so they are best able to utilize their skills. Students who graduate with an MA in geography often pursue careers with state and local planning agencies, environmental consulting firms, developers and private enterprises, as well as careers in sustainability and resource usage.
Undergraduate Programs
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Sustainability Minor
Sustainability is a lens that can enhance any degree program, from Environmental Science to Psychology to Business. This interdisciplinary minor is built on developing an understanding of sustainability through multiple disciplinary lenses. As such, students are able to select courses from a variety of disciplines to build a depth and breadth and understanding of sustainability.
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Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Science
Offered through the department of Geography and the Environment, the Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental science is designed to provide students with a grounding in the natural sciences while allowing for increased breadth in environmental elective courses. The BA program is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in environmental policy, sustainable practices and environmental planning, as well as a variety of other opportunities.
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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science
Offered through the Department of Geography and the Environment, the Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the natural sciences. The BS program is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in environmental monitoring, air and water toxicity abatement, and environmental restoration, as well as a variety of other opportunities.
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Minor in Environmental Science
The minor in environmental science is designed to provide students with a firm foundation in earth science, ecology and the scientific perspective of current issues concerning the environment or the management of natural resources. This minor is an excellent companion for students majoring in either the natural sciences or the social sciences. Students may customize their minor to suit their individual interests.
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Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Ecology and Biodiversity
Offered through the Department of Biological Sciences, the Bachelor of Arts program in ecology and biodiversity offers students a cross-disciplinary focus on these two fields. Students complete 44 credit hours of biology coursework. The BA degree allows students the flexibility to combine their interests in biology with other disciplines such as law, policy or business. The program provides specialized upper-level coursework taught by active researchers in the discipline, along with the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on in-depth research. Students can access cutting-edge research and go to several exciting field sites. Research opportunities encompass plant-insect interaction, ecology of invasive species and forest ecology and evolutionary biology. Graduates can leave well prepared for jobs or graduate work in a range of areas related to ecology and evolutionary biology.
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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Ecology and Biodiversity
Offered through the Department of Biological Sciences, the undergraduate program in ecology and biodiversity offers a cross-disciplinary learning focus across ecology and organismal biology. Students complete 49 credit hours of biology, a minor in another natural sciences and mathematics field, and a second minor from any department across the University. The BS degree appeals to students interested in continuing in the sciences at the graduate level or pursuing medical school.
Students take courses on evolution, biodiversity, genetics and physiological systems, delivered in small classes. In addition, they complete lab work connected with in-class coursework, while using cutting-edge equipment and visiting field sites. This program can offer research opportunities to undergraduates in invasive species, plant-insect interactions, evolutionary biology and forest ecology. During their research, students are supported by active researchers in their fields.
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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Chemistry
Many environmental problems are chemically related and solving them requires an application of chemical knowledge. The BS in environmental chemistry is designed for students pursuing careers in fields related to environmental areas. The degree requirements include a minor in geographic information systems, biology or sustainability to ensure a strong interdisciplinary background. With a minimum of 47 credit hours in chemistry, students take general, organic, physical and aquatic chemistry courses, as well as work in chemistry labs that put them in front of the latest equipment. Environmental chemistry students also take classes in biology, geography, calculus and physics. Along the way, students work in small class settings with internationally recognized faculty researchers dedicated to improving the world with their knowledge and expertise.