Master of Science (M.S.) in Integrated Science and Technology - Concentration in Environmental Management & Sustainability
- Harrisonburg, USA
- Ta' Xbiex, Malta
MSc
DURATION
12 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Master of Science (M.S.) in Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) at JMU is a 33-credit accelerated programme concentrating in Environmental Management and Sustainability. It combines systems-based problem-solving, integrated science and technology, and a holistic understanding of environmental sustainability. The concentration is a dual-degree international master's programme with the University of Malta. Graduates aim to drive innovation, commerce, environmental stewardship, and human well-being in multidisciplinary settings.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in private companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations; typical roles include environmental consultant, sustainability manager, policy analyst, environmental compliance specialist, in corporate sustainability, conservation, resource management, and environmental planning.
The Master of Science degree in Integrated Science and Technology (M.S. in ISAT) is a 33-credit accelerated program offering a concentration in Environmental Management and Sustainability that prepares graduates to be leaders that drive innovation and commerce while positively impacting the well-being and sustainability of our planet and its people. Our graduates share a holistic understanding of sustainability and the environment and bring a systems-based, problem-solving approach to their work in private companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations.
The Environmental Management and Sustainability concentration is a dual-degree, international master's program with the University of Malta.
During the accelerated 12-month program, students will receive one semester of instruction at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, VA (fall) and one semester of instruction at the University of Malta campus in Msida, Malta (spring), providing unique opportunities to learn, explore and compare experiences in different geographic, environmental and social contexts. Both JMU and the University of Malta faculty contribute equally to instruction and project supervision. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements are awarded both:
- A Master of Science degree in Integrated Science and Technology (M.S. in ISAT) from James Madison University, and
- A Master of Science degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability (MSc in EMS) from the University of Malta
The program is designed to build holistic thinking and problem-solving skills using systems perspectives directed to environmental and sustainability challenges. The curriculum explores principles of sustainability science, incorporating perspectives from Earth systems, natural resources management, ethics, policy and law, and social sciences, among others. It also builds a suite of analytical methods and competencies including GIS, data science, cross-cultural project management, field techniques, statistics and data science. Elective coursework allows students to develop a specialization by opting for either of two pathways:
- Sustainable Technological Systems, or
- Food Systems and Biodiversity
As a part of the program, all students will complete a capstone project at a location chosen in collaboration with their capstone advisor. The capstone project allows students to continue to build specialized knowledge through research on the topic of their choice. Exceptional students may opt to complete a master's research thesis. This option requires approval from the program's Board of Studies.