The NRSD program offers students two masters degrees, one from American University and the other from the Department of Environment & Development (DED) at the University for Peace (UPeace) in Costa Rica. Rooted in a mission to promote critical thinking and social and environmental justice and drawing on the insights of the field of political ecology, the department equips students to translate their education into equitable and sustainable actions globally.

Led by Program Director Dr. Jan Breitling, whose research focuses on the political ecology of forest cover change and the impacts of climate change on conservation and rural livelihoods, the NRSD program features a diverse array of courses. Dr. Olivia Sylvester, Head of the Department of Environment & Development, brings expertise in food security and indigenous perspectives. NRSD students can explore courses in Climate Change Governance, Food Security and Indigenous Perspectives, Urban Sustainability, Water Security, and more, taught by an accomplished faculty including Dr. Olivia Sylvester, Dr. Bryan González Hernández, and others. Learn more about the DED faculty here. 

This multidisciplinary approach provides students with the tools and perspectives needed to address the world's most pressing environmental challenges. For more information, contact Dr. Jan Breitling at jbreitling@upeace.org or Dr. Olivia Sylvester at osylvester@upeace.org.

The SIS Graduate Student Council (GSC) is committed to providing professional development, advocating for graduate students, and building a school-wide community. GSC provides opportunities to graduate students to plan and participate in social and professional development events, serve on school committees, advocate for themselves and their peers, and generally have their voices heard in the SIS administration. With a team of senators representing the various programs at the School of International Service and a dedicated Executive Council, the GSC strives to be a leader both inside and outside American University. Contact the GSC at ausisgsc@gmail.com