Michigan Technological University
AC-4: Graduate Program

We prepare students to conduct research that helps frame and support our society's environmental and energy policy goals, strategies, decisions, and programs. Students use the tools and approaches of multiple disciplines for integrated, interdisciplinary assessment in sociology, geography, anthropology, political science, economics, history, sustainability science, and ecology.
https://www.mtu.edu/gradschool/programs/degrees/environmental-energy-policy-masters/
https://www.mtu.edu/gradschool/programs/degrees/environmental-energy-policy/

"Learn the historical foundations and contemporary frameworks used in sustainability sciences with a master's in sustainable communities. Apply social research and inquiry skills to examine sustainability issues. Gather and analyze information from a diverse set of sources to understand contemporary sustainability issues. Partner with diverse teams of stakeholders to work towards enhancing sustainability based on identified goals. Our program is designed around four core areas: Social Science Foundations, Applied Inquiry Skills, Socio-ecological and Socio-technological systems, and the Capstone Experience."

"With access to a unique blend of economics, business, forestry, and geology, plus engineering, social sciences, and technical communication study real-world topics including environmental issues, public policy analysis, economic theory, and commodity markets. Being in the “Great Lakes State” also facilitates student research closer to campus, such as evaluating natural resource stressors of Lake Michigan. Are you ready?"

"Students in the graduate certificate Engineering Sustainability and Resilience program understand and develop skills in the application of sustainability principles in their different fields of study. This certificate includes courses that employ an interdisciplinary approach to graduate education in sustainability and resilience. Learn the origins of, and major advancements in, sustainable development, such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, systems analysis skills through application of environmental life cycle assessment (LCA). Study and develop a collective action plan in addressing grand challenges in sustainability such as global climate change and the efficient utilization of materials through circular economy. Develop a literacy in environmental and policy."

The certificate in Sustainable Water Resources Systems requires a total of 12 credits. Students who complete this certificate will have a set of core competencies in understanding current water resource issues and develop an advanced understanding of the problems and new technology development in their field of expertise. This certificate will be useful to students in such fields as natwww.mtu.eduural resource management, business and policy, environmental and civil engineering, geology and geological engineering, and environmental policy.

Students who complete this certificate will be able to demonstrate that they understand water resource management from an interdisciplinary perspective that includes policy, natural sciences, and applied sciences. Increasingly, water managers have to work effectively on problem solving that crosses disciplines. For instance, a community water resource management issue may involve the failure of multiple homeowner onsite wastewater systems causing lake eutrophication with negative impacts on fisheries. Solving this problem effectively necessitates an understanding of how to work effectively with the homeowners, communicate fisheries impacts, work within existing state law governing onsite wastewater management, and the technical dimensions of the wastewater systems in use. While no one individual is likely to have deep knowledge in every area, our certificate will give students literacy in multiple areas allowing them to absorb information outside of their core discipline.

"The graduate certificate in Sustainable Pavement Design and Construction allows students to develop an approach based on the science of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for strategic project selection and apply advanced knowledge of innovative materials in design and specify construction practices to improve long-term performance and reduce environmental impacts while improving access and socioeconomic equity. You'll also learn to apply International Organization of Standardization (ISO) compliant instruments, such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)—used to communicate LCA outcomes and inform public procurement."
"The interpretation of LCA/EPD information, particularly as it applies to design standards and construction specifications, is new and often misunderstood. This certificate seeks to bridge this gap with comprehensive training, allowing you to meaningfully integrate sustainability in pavement design and construction."