Degrees and Certificates
Education is the lifeblood of the Nelson Institute. For decades, we have prepared students to become catalysts for change as managers, policy makers, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, and other kinds of environmental professionals.
Our degree and certificate programs accommodate students with a broad range of academic interests. Regardless of your background or experience, if you are driven to expand your horizons in environmental studies, there's a place for you.
Undergraduate Certificate
The Environmental Studies Certificate gives UW-Madison undergraduates a unique opportunity to broaden their studies through interdisciplinary course work related to the environment. Students from any major can learn about environmental problems and issues; study environmental science, policy, literature, history, and philosophy; and take part in environmental research, field work, and case studies.
Graduate Degrees
Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development (CBSD) gives students knowledge, skills, and experience to help conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable living. The curriculum includes studies of the economic and social dimensions of development.
Environment and Resources (ER) is for students who wish to broaden their knowledge of natural resources or who seek special education in the technical, social, or management aspects of environmental problems. It provides opportunities for interdisciplinary study not available in more traditional academic departments.
Water Resources Management (WRM) prepares students for the complexities of managing this critical natural resource through training in biological and physical sciences, engineering, law, and social sciences.
Graduate Certificates
Air Resources Management (ARM) combines education in science, economics, health, engineering, ecology, and policy to address air management at the ecosystem scale.
Culture, History, and Environment (CHE) explores environmental and cultural change across the full sweep of human history from diverse perspectives in the humanities and sciences.
Energy Analysis and Policy (EAP) considers factors that shape energy policy and decision making and acquaints students with important analytical an assessment techniques.
Humans and the Global Environment (CHANGE) seeks to understand vulnerabilities in the global environment and promote more resilient, sustainable relationships between people and nature.
Transportation Management and Policy (TMP) examines multiple dimensions of mobility management and planning and their relevance to the development of environmentally and socially sustainable transportation systems.
ADDITIONAL GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES
Special combinations of Nelson Institute degrees and certificates with other graduate and professional degrees at UW-Madison are possible.
Doctoral students throughout the university may count any Nelson Institute graduate degree or certificate program as a Ph.D. minor.
Students in any graduate degree program of the Nelson Institute, as well as students in the University of Wisconsin Law School, may earn a dual degree in Environmental Studies and Law.
Graduate students also may earn double or joint degrees.
While they are not connected with any degree or certificate program, the Nelson Institute also offers occasional opportunities for international study.