Dual Specialization

Policy that hinders or encourages the development of renewable and sustainable energy systems exist at the federal, state, and local levels. There is a growing recognition that energy policy needs to better accommodate practices that foster conservation of natural resources, decarbonization of the sector, and a just transition for energy workers and communities. These needs implicate national-level subsidies and research, as well as local land-use requirements and permitting. This dual specialization provides students with the knowledge to directly participate in the renewable energy sector, as well as how to change the societal incentives to support those practices. Relevant career paths include: for- and non-profit policy analyst; renewable energy project manager; supply chain analyst or manager; land use planner; permitting and zoning staff member; energy agency official; and local, regional, or national elected official. 

The management and protection of our natural resources and fragile ecosystems to ensure their continued existence for both current and future generations is paramount in the face of such environmental challenges as climate change and urban sprawl. Students will learn how to advocate for policy and navigate government in a bipartisan way to support sustainable outdoor recreation, conservation, and access to public lands and water for all. This dual specialization prepares students interested in careers within state or federal public land agencies and conservation non-profit organizations in roles including: field technician/researcher, environmental policy analyst, public lands manager, climate and/or environmental policy specialist, natural resource policy advocate, conservation manager, recreation agency member, and local or regional elected official.   

Policy that hinders or encourages the development of sustainable food systems exist at the federal, state, and local levels. There is a growing recognition that food policy needs to better accommodate practices that foster conservation of natural resources, decarbonization of the sector, shorter supply chains, higher quality foods, and greater benefits for growers and consumers. These needs implicate national-level subsidies and insurance programs, as well as local land-use requirements and state food processing requirements. This dual specialization provides students with the knowledge to directly participate in the food system sustainability, as well as how to change the societal incentives to support those practices. Relevant career paths include: for- and non-profit policy analyst; supply chain analyst or manager; land use planner; permitting and zoning staff member; agriculture agency official; and local, regional, or national elected official. 

Developing and managing sustainable cities require fair and informed processes and policies to resolve competing interests in land use and the allocation of fiscal resources. A community must determine what is more important: preserving open space or providing housing? Protecting viewsheds or building ridge-top wind farms? Restoring wetlands or constructing roads and bridges? And are these either/or propositions or can we do both at the same time? The URS/ENRP Dual Specialization helps address these and other critical policy and practice questions. Potential careers include transportation planner, resilience planner, climate planner, policy analyst, local government official and local or regional elected official.

The need to transition to a cleaner energy economy is recognized across the outdoor recreation industry, with many outdoor businesses incorporating renewable energy in their operations and partnering to decarbonize their supply chain. There is also recognition of the importance of building and maintaining robust and resilient energy infrastructure to support the needs of outdoor recreationalists and improve energy accessibility in what are often rural areas. Students will learn about energy policy, financing mechanisms, and decarbonization strategies to assist them in advocating for energy-efficient practices across outdoor businesses and communities. Relevant careers across the private, public, and non-profit sectors include: renewable energy consultant/project manager, corporate sustainability manager, energy and sustainability specialist, climate resilience and sustainability manager.  

The Energy-Food nexus is a critical component of global sustainability, encompassing issues of land use, habitat, and greenhouse gas emissions. Often, there are trade offs between land use for energy crops and food crops, or in combining uses of energy production on active agricultural land. In addition, for those looking at ways to decarbonize the energy sector, areas such as fertilizer production and management, as well as methane emission, soil carbon sequestration, etc. are also critically important and build off of the energy-related decarbonization themes. Lastly, as indoor agriculture via hydroponics and aquaponics becomes more and more common, the energy required to run those facilities becomes an important consideration in the global food supply equation. Students who dual spec in RSE and SFS will have a unique perspective on these issues and can work in fields related to agrivoltaics, land use and energy policy, and food industry sustainability roles.

The URS/RSE Dual Specialization operates at the intersection of land use, energy and sustainability and helps students understand the often complicated connections – physical, social and economic – between them. From buildings and neighborhoods, to cities and regions, students learn how land use and energy contribute to a more sustainable, equitable built environment at a variety of scales. Potential careers include city and state sustainability manager,, land use and transportation planner, green building and renewable energy consultants and climate action planner.  

Food and outdoor recreation form an integral part of the nexus between natural resource management and conservation, community and economic development, and sustainable business practices. Students explore the interdependence of food production systems and the outdoor recreation industry on healthy ecosystems, while also examining the policies and innovation that shapes access and entrepreneurship. Relevant career paths include: agricultural land stewardship specialist, sustainable supply-chain manager, community development/economic development director, or as a sustainability consultant, sustainability manager, or program director for an outdoor recreation or food systems business or non-profit organization.

Food and agriculture are essential to supporting sustainable communities. Literally. Whether on farms outside of population centers, or in cities themselves, on rooftops or inside buildings, the URS/SFS Dual Specialization explores the connection between food production, food security and broader community development goals, recognizing that they are critical components of urban sustainability and a cornerstone of community resilience. 

Outdoor recreation doesn’t just occur on public lands or remote landscapes; it’s an important part of cities and towns where most people live. In the URS/SOI Dual Specialization, students examine the ways in which outdoor recreation is central to the development of sustainable and resilient communities, through both the built environment and as an important economic driver. Potential careers include urban sustainability/climate resilience director,, parks and open space planner, city/county recreation manager,, transportation specialist and community and economic development consultant.