MSc in Environment and Society in Logan United States | Utah State University

The ecosystem science and management program's human dimensions track was established to meet the increasing need for experts skilled in assessing both social and ecological factors of ecosystems, along with evaluating sustainability-focused policies and decisions. Launched in 2002, the Department of Environment and Society pioneered this interdisciplinary approach within natural resource colleges nationwide, becoming a blueprint for comparable academic departments elsewhere. Grounded in social sciences while integrating ecological and resource management principles, the curriculum equips students to guide individuals and organizations toward sustainable practices and reduced environmental impacts.
Participants in this program develop skills to analyze the relationships between human actions and their ecological settings, identify strategies for lessening societal effects on nature, and translate these insights into tangible policy reforms, planning adjustments, land stewardship approaches, and behavioral shifts. The program also offers tailored study opportunities in specialized areas including: environmental outreach and instruction, sustainable development, human behavior studies, policy evaluation, anthropogenic environmental effects, natural resource governance, dispute resolution, among others. Climate Adaptation Science Concentration (Environment and Society MS/PhD) This concentration gives students hands-on experience in practical science through combined internships and research. The program emphasizes cross-disciplinary studies to develop responses to climate extremes, featuring dual internships with government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector partners. During initial placements, students engage in projects while learning organizational cultures and scientific priorities. These experiences then shape collaborative climate adaptation research. Subsequent internships focus on implementing research outcomes, with students delivering scientific findings and assisting partners in applying these solutions.