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Master of Environmental Management in Environmental Leadership

Program Code: N-DEL-MEM
Degree Designation: Master of Environmental Management
Department: Nicholas School of the Environment
Website: nicholas.duke.edu/academics/masters-programs/duke-environmental-leadership-master-environmental-management

Program Summary

The Duke Environmental Leadership Master of Environmental Management (DEL-MEM) focuses on leadership and is designed for mid-career professionals. The DEL-MEM Program’s hybrid (online and place-based) format makes it feasible for professionals to pursue the degree while working full-time.

The DEL-MEM is a two-year, four-semester, thirty-course-credit program designed for mid-career professionals with a minimum of five years of professional experience in an environmental field. The DEL-MEM focuses on interdisciplinary and global themes, strategic approaches to environmental management, communication, and effective leadership. The DEL-MEM degree is offered primarily via distance-learning technologies, and is complemented with five short place-based sessions.

For more information about the DEL-MEM Program, contact nicholas-admissions@duke.edu or (919) 613-8070 or visit nicholas.duke.edu/academics/masters-programs/duke-environmental-leadership-master-environmental-management.

Academic Requirements

This is a two-year, four-semester, 30-credit degree.

Core Courses & Seminars – 17 credits

The following courses are required for all DEL-MEM students:

  • ENVIRON 961: Ecosystem Science and Management

  • ENVIRON 962: Economics of Environmental Management

  • ENVIRON 963: Program Management for Environmental Professionals

  • ENVIRON 964: Environmental Law and Policy

  • ENVIRON 966: Professional Writing Course

  • ENVIRON 995: Leadership Seminar (includes five place-based sessions)

Focused Courses / Electives – Minimum 7 credits

Students can choose from a wide variety of electives*, including:

  • Business Strategy for Environmental Sustainability

  • The Science of Climate Change

  • Community-Based Environmental Management (with a field component in Mexico)

  • Restoration Ecology: Principles & Practice (optional field trip to Kaua’i)

  • Sustainable Development (optional field trip to Colombia)

  • GIS 

  • Sustainable Cities

  • Corporate Sustainability and Carbon Accounting

  • Energy Law

*Offerings of elective courses are specifically cultivated by the DEL-MEM Faculty Director and may vary from year to year.

Master's Project – 6 credits

ENVIRON 899:  Master's Project. See Master's Projects on the Nicholas School's website for more information.