| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 83.37 |
| Liaison | Ruairi O'Mahony |
| Submission Date | Feb. 11, 2022 |
University of Massachusetts Lowell
AC-4: Graduate Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Joseph C.
Hartman Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Provost |
Does the institution offer at least one sustainability-focused major, degree program, or the equivalent for graduate students?:
Name of the sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program:
A brief description of the graduate-level degree program:
UMass Lowell's Master of Science in Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program with two concentrations: Atmospheric Sciences; and Environmental Engineering Sciences. Both concentrations seek to blend technical experience gained in undergraduate science and engineering degrees with graduate courses in policy and applied science at the intersection of the economy, ecology, and seeking more responsible production and consumption. Classes in each concentration include, among others:
Atmospheric Sciences:
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Environmental and Natural Resources Economics
- Air Pollution Control
Environmental Engineering Sciences:
- Solid Waste Engineering (includes review of municipal, industrial and hazardous wastes and technologies such as landfills, recycling, incineration and composting are examined).
- Energy and the Environment
- Micropollutants in the Environment
Website URL for the graduate-level degree program:
Name of the sustainability-focused, graduate-level degree program (2nd program):
A brief description of the graduate degree program (2nd program):
The Ph.D. in Global Studies is an interdisciplinary program offered through the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, administered by the Department of Political Science, with an interdisciplinary faculty group representing a range of disciplines, including Economics, Education, Sociology, Philosophy, History, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Political Science. Several members of the interdisciplinary staff are members of the UMass Lowell Climate Change Initiative and their teaching highlights the intersection between the environment and social, economic, and political systems.
This is an interdisciplinary, research-oriented degree, designed for students and practitioners who seek advanced interdisciplinary education to develop their ability to analyze problems, policies and programs and to facilitate a sophisticated understanding of the crucial challenges facing the world today. The Global Studies program offers three focus areas: Theory in Global Studies; Conflict, Cooperation, Security and Human Rights; and International Political Economy, Trade and Development.
Focus Area Concentrations
1. Conflict, Cooperation, Security and Human Rights:
Drawing primarily from the departments of Political Science, Economics, Sociology and Criminal Justice, topics for research and study in this area include the causes and consequences of major transnational security threats such as terrorism, criminal networks, human trafficking, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, energy security, maritime security, environmental security, and the global trafficking of drugs, small arms and light weapons and other contraband. Research in this area considers the critical importance of socio-economic variables, political regime legitimacy and state capacity, criminal justice systems and the rule of law in order to understand how governments and multinational organizations respond to these and other kinds of security threats.
2. International Political Economy, Trade and Development:
This area is designed to enhance understanding of economic, political and social development around the globe. Globalization is enhanced by international trade foreign investments, world financial markets, migration movements, and technological transfer. All of these factors affect countries growth potential as well as their income distribution. This leads to changes in their citizens' health, education, poverty, literacy, environment, and sustainability.
3. Theory in Global Studies:
This area of study will provide students a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and rapidly emerging new paradigms of global studies. Globalization has exposed some of the shortcomings of traditional theories of international relations, economic development, and political and social philosophy. By promoting a critical approach to traditional theory in this field and by embracing theoretical contributions from feminism, ecology, anthropology, cultural studies and international political economy, students will be able to comprehend the intellectual contribution of a wide range of disciplines to understanding the impact of globalization on citizens and societies. This area of study provides a thorough background in traditional theoretical approaches to understanding global society while exposing students to innovative new approaches and arenas of study. The area of study is designed to move students from theory to practice and to encourage examination of current events through the lens of theories both traditional and new, and by assessing their explanatory power and implications for domestic and international study.
Website URL for the graduate degree program (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused, graduate-level degree program (3rd program):
A brief description of the graduate degree program (3rd program):
Website URL for the graduate degree program (3rd program):
The name and website URLs of all other sustainability-focused graduate-level degree programs:
Does the institution offer one or more graduate-level sustainability-focused minors, concentrations or certificates?:
Name of the graduate-level sustainability-focused minor, concentration or certificate:
A brief description of the graduate minor, concentration or certificate:
This certificate is designed for students who have an interest in the environmental aspects of the Atmospheric Sciences. The intended audience is practitioners in the environmental field who want to broaden their expertise. The target audience would encompass individuals with engineering or science degrees. There are two suggested concentrations (see below) one addressing the needs of individuals interested in air quality the other energy.
Website URL for the graduate minor, concentration or certificate:
Name of the graduate-level sustainability-focused minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):
A brief description of the graduate minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):
It is vitally important that we understand the causes of conflict, learn constructive ways to resolve them, and build peaceful relationships. Social injustice is a key source of conflict, and the dynamics of inequality and diversity are at the core of this program.
The certificate will be particularly valuable for:
Those who have encountered conflict in their personal and/or professional lives.
People working in very diverse fields, such as human services, law enforcement, health care, business, education and community organizing, who need skills in understanding and handling conflicts.
Undergraduates interested in graduate studies.
This certificate program requires the completion of 12 credits comprised of one required course and three approved electives.
Website URL for the graduate minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):
Name of the graduate-level sustainability-focused minor, concentration or certificate (3rd program):
A brief description of the graduate minor, concentration or certificate (3rd program):
Website URL for the graduate minor, concentration or certificate (3rd program):
The name and website URLs of all other graduate-level, sustainability-focused minors, concentrations and certificates:
M.S. Environmental Studies – Environmental Engineering Sciences Concentration and Atmospheric Sciences Concentration:
http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Engineering/Civil-Environmental-Engineering/Masters-Program.aspx#Master%20of%20Science%20in%20Environmental%20Studies
Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Infrastructure for Developing Nations – Civil and Environmental Engineering Department: http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Engineering/Civil-Environmental-Engineering/Graduate-Certificates.aspx#Sustainable%20Infrastructure%20for%20Developing%20Nations
D.Eng, Ph.D, M.S. Energy Engineering – Renewable (Solar) Energy Concentration: http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Engineering/Energy-Engineering/Masters-Program.aspx
Professional Certificate in Energy Conversion - Electrical and Computer Engineering Department: http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Engineering/Electrical-Computer-Engineering/Graduate-Certificates.aspx#Energy
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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