The MENV core curriculum provides students with a foundation understanding of the dominant structures, processes, and dynamics within and between environmental, social, institutional, and economic systems. Through a comprehensive suite of three (3) applied courses, MENV students are exposed to a variety of perspectives and approaches to environmental problem solving and gain a unique applied knowledge necessary to be effective agents of change across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
The Scientific Basis of Environmental Change
(ENVM 5018)
This course and associated lab provide an overview of the science that underlies some of the most complicated global environmental challenges we face today. These include topics such as climate change, air quality, land management, agriculture, as well as the underlying biogeochemical and hydrologic processes that are critical for understanding the changing environment. The course will be a mix of foundational knowledge taught in the classroom (e.g., the hydrologic cycle, biogeochemical cycles, atmospheric circulation, principles of ecology), and place-based, applied modules taught off-campus throughout the Front Range of Colorado. Field experiences may include visits to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), local farms, and wildfire sites. The course will be taught at a level to provide all students with a basic fluency in the language of environmental science and will provide opportunities for refreshing scientific knowledge and developing a more nuanced and detailed understanding of local environmental issues.
Leadership & Ethics (ENVM 5034)
This course will focus on the building blocks of collaborative leadership and organizational ethics. Students will learn different philosophies of leadership, with a focus on team dynamics, as well as engaging with diverse constituencies. A central component of organizational leadership is ethical decision-making. This course will provide training, tools, and techniques to promote and endorse ethical professional behavior both within organizations, as well as by organizations.
Analyzing Socio-Environmental Systems (ENVM 5002)
Learn to use a 'systems thinking' approach to address complex environmental challenges. The objective is to introduce student’s to thinking about environmental challenges in a holistic manner, helping them to understand the connectivity between different parts of the same system and to identify the synergies and trade-offs contained within most socio-environmental systems.