Program History

The Sustainable Development and Climate Change (SDCC) concentration and the Resource Management and Conservation (RMC) program stem from the same core Resource Management and Administration (RMA) MS degree program. Antioch University New England's RMA program began in 1978 and was renamed the Resource Management and Conservation program in 2007 to recognize the critical role of conservation in sustainable resource management.

The original RMA program was designed to train the next generation of environmental leaders in effective resource management. This professional graduate program focused on enhancing a student's professional skills and knowledge of policy and science in order to support future careers as environmental leaders and managers. Graduates of this program now practice in environmental leadership roles throughout the United States and around the world.

In order to meet the evolving needs of the future, in 2010 the program branched into two Master of Science Degrees: The MS in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Development and Climate Change and the MS in Resource Management and Conservation.

What are the differences between the Resource Management and Conservation program and the Sustainable Development and Climate Change concentration?

The Master of Science in Resource Management and Conservation program (RMC) prepares graduates for leadership and management roles in public and private sector organizations that focus on resource management and conservation. Students learn the skills they need to facilitate, manage and lead within a science-based profession and are provided opportunities for scholarly investigation so they can make solid policy decisions and implement sound strategies designed to address complex environmental issues. The RMC program is designed for working professionals who have academic grounding in the physical or natural resource sciences and demonstrated work experience in the environmental field.

The goal of the Sustainable Development and Climate Change concentration (SDCC) is to provide students with a foundation of theory and knowledge and the requisite skills for future professional careers that recognize and embrace the critical need of sustainable development within the context of a rapidly changing climate. These students will be prepared to deal with multi-issue, multi-stakeholder environmental challenges through a trans-disciplinary program that integrates courses in environmental and social sciences, policy, communication and leadership skills.

This concentration is designed for students who are entering or are in the early phase of their profession. Graduates are prepared for a variety of environmental careers in the public and private sectors including local and regional planning, environmental regulation and compliance, environmental consulting, and environmental non-profit leadership.

Last Updated: 3/16/12