Top Employers: The US Agency for International Development (USAID), World Wildlife Fund, the UN World Food Programme, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Bank
Department of Environment, Development & Health
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Our Programs
Our degree programs and thematic areas give you the tools to work on justice- and equity-informed approaches to the interrelated challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, migration, urbanization, emerging technologies, data, governance, and global health.
Master's degrees
MA in Global Environmental Policy
The Global Environmental Policy program helps you understand causes of environmental harm and identify ways to build a more sustainable world. Particular areas of program focus include climate change, sustainable energy, water, food and agriculture, environment and development, peacebuilding, and urban design and sustainability.
MA in International Development
For nearly 50 years, the MA in International Development (MAID) program has trained graduates to work toward addressing the world’s most pressing economic, environmental, health and humanitarian challenges. MAID is unique in its focus on essential job skills, rigorous research methods, and critical histories and theories of development. The program emphasizes links between global and local action, acknowledges the interrelatedness of environmental, political, economic, and global health challenges, and equips graduates to become effective and ethical agents of change.
MA in International Affairs: Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
Natural Resources and Sustainable Development is a dual master’s degree in which you will receive degrees from both American University and the United Nations-affiliated University for Peace in Costa Rica, where you’ll spend your second and third semesters. American University offers international relations and environmental politics studies and unique exposure to Washington, DC, policy institutions and NGOs, while the University for Peace provides practical experience in sustainable development. Courses are taught in English, with mandatory free Spanish instruction provided for one year.
MS in Development Management
Development Management is for those who have at least four years' prior field experience and a strong applied and practical focus. You'll work on development projects and programs, capacity building, organization or institution building, NGO management, or monitoring and evaluation in developing countries or among disadvantaged communities abroad. You can use the elective concentration courses, such as gender and development, environment and development, or social entrepreneurship, to focus on a sector of your choice or to deepen your management skills.
Undergraduate thematic areas
Environmental Sustainability and Global Health
Many of the most profound challenges facing humanity relate to the environment, health, or the intersection of the two. Climate change and species extinction currently undermine the quality of life for many and threaten to compromise the fundamental, organic infrastructure that supports all life on earth. Infectious diseases like HIV and malaria remain a major cause of death in poorer countries, while chronic diseases, once most apparent in richer countries, are becoming increasingly prevalent around the world. Many of the most profound challenges facing humanity relate to the environment, health, or the intersection of the two. Climate change, global pandemics, species extinction, food insecurity, and water insecurity currently undermine the quality of life for many and threaten to compromise the fundamental, organic infrastructure that supports all life on earth. Infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, Ebola, and HIV remain a major cause of illness and death, while chronic diseases, once most apparent in richer countries, are increasingly prevalent around the world. Meanwhile, environmental toxins, air and water pollution, and soil degradation compromise the health and well-being of people everywhere. Not only do ecological issues have the potential to impact public health, but decisions made by communities and the private and public sectors—from transportation to agriculture to healthcare—influence ecosystem functions. The Environmental Sustainability and Global Health Thematic Area introduces students to the socio-political dynamics of global health and environmental affairs. Students explore the multiple causes and consequences of environmental harm and ill health and work to understand the mechanisms of governance best able to respond. Cutting across both issues are the fundamental injustices and inequalities between people as well as between countries. Ultimately, students develop the intellectual, theoretical, scientific, and applied tools needed to simultaneously work towards a safer, healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable world.
Gateway Course
SISU 250 Environmental Sustainability and Global Health (multiple sections available)
Thematic Area Courses
*Course offerings vary by semester. Alternative and/or additional options may be available.
- SISU 349 Global Health Interventions
- SISU 349 Politics of Population
- SISU 349 Climate Resilient Cities
- SISU 350 The Politics of Water
- SISU 350 Pandemics, Ethics, and the Public Health Response
- SISU 350 BioEthics
- SISU 352 Environmental Politics of Asia
- SISU 358 Global Health
- SISU 359 Environment, Conflict, and Peace
Global Inequality and Development
The Global Inequality and Development Thematic Area directly addresses issues concerning the theory and practice of achieving equitable and sustainable human development. Courses will encompass a broad examination of issues related to poverty and inequality as they intersect with urban and rural geographies, the built and natural environment, food systems, conflict, education, gender, youth and development, and possibilities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. This area will include historical analysis of the field of development studies from colonialism through the present with a focus on understanding and analyzing conflicts, shared goals, and normative values embedded in development objectives. Students will become equipped to understand and analyze the multiple causes and consequences of development and inequality, and will become better equipped to understand the mechanisms of governance best able to respond to these challenges.
Gateway Course
SISU 240 International Development (multiple sections available)
Thematic Area Courses
*Course offerings vary by semester. Alternative and/or additional options may be available.
- SISU 340 Urbanization in Africa
- SISU 340 Bureaucracy and Inequality
- SISU 340 The Modern African Metropolis
- SISU 340 Migration and Development
- SISU 348 Gender and Development
- SISU 349 Politics of Population
- SISU 349 Global Health Interventions
- SISU 349 Climate Resilient Cities
Master's Certificates
Environment, Peace, and Conflict Resolution
Expand your skills and broaden your professional knowledge with a graduate certificate in Environment, Peace, and Conflict Resolution. This certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to address a growing set of challenges at the intersection of environmental change, natural resource management, violent conflict, and the mediation and resolution of conflict. Students completing the program are conversant with leading theories of the links between environmental change and violent conflict, and understand and are able to deploy strategies for environmental peacemaking, peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Humanitarian Policy and Practice
Prepare yourself for work in the humanitarian sector by becoming equipped with foundational understanding of the humanitarian field and acquiring relevant professional skills and methods. Engage with current scholarly, policy, and ethical debates to grow your understanding. Open to students currently enrolled in an AU graduate degree program and students with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Students must complete a curricular and a co-curricular component.
Social Innovation for Global Impact
Expand your skills and knowledge–and broaden your professional network–with a graduate certificate in Social Innovation for Global Impact. The certificate blends entrepreneurship and innovation with social activism and a global perspective so you can work across sectors to address old problems in new ways. You can apply up to 12 certificate credits toward a graduate degree program at SIS.
Environment, Community, and Equity
Prepare yourself to tackle challenges at the nexus of environmental protection, community resilience, and equity. Gain expertise in theories linking environmental change and justice, and develop a foundational understanding of environmental equity issues. Graduates are ready for roles integrating environmental protection with equity in diverse settings like international organizations and NGOs. The program includes both curricular and co-curricular components.
Global Health and Culture
Offered jointly by the Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of International Service, this certificate cultivates a cohort of students committed to cross-cultural work in global health. Participants receive rigorous training in medical anthropology, policy, and international affairs theory and methodologies. Alongside required coursework in CAS and SIS, students undertake a capstone project aligned with global health and culture themes.
Centers
Our department's faculty members work spans a diverse array of research centers and initiatives across both SIS and the entire university. Our research fosters cross-collaboration to address pressing global challenges while offering invaluable opportunities for engagement and growth to faculty, students, and our wider academic community.