Environmental Science and Policy
Excellence and leadership in conservation, water and watersheds, and healthy ecosystems by bridging environmental science and public policy
ESP is a growing academic and professional force spanning the twin domains of the natural and social sciences. We are focused on understanding and implementing science and public policy to address and solve complex environmental issues that challenge the integrity and sustainability of global systems.
ESP students who are trained in environmental policy, conservation sciences, climate change, aquatic ecology, wildlife management or one health, go on to professional careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
Visit Us On Campus
See what our program can do for you.
Fairfax Campus, David King Hall 3005
4400 University Drive, MSN 5F2, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-1043
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy
- Campus Map
The Catherine and Richard Becker Graduate Fellowship in Environmental Science and Policy
Made possible through a generous endowment by Catherine Z. and Richard J. Becker, students who are pursuing their graduate degrees in Environmental Science and Policy are selected each academic year. Recipients receive financial support while they learn, teach, and conduct research. All the Becker Fellows to date can be viewed here:
Why study Environmental Science?
Just some of the things you can do with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy!
Why Study Environmental Science and Policy at Mason?
#1
First in the country to offer a PhD program that explicitly blends Environmental Science and Public Policy.
100,000+
Over 100,000 middle school students reached since 2009 through the PEREC Field Interpreter environmental stewardship program.
26.1%
Steady year-on-year increase in enrollment in the B.S. in Environmental Science degree program over the last 5 years.
In Memoriam
Thomas E. Lovejoy (1941–2021)
Lee M. Talbot (1930-2021)
IUCN: Remembrances of Tom Lovejoy
Lovejoy's legacy will go on
Our strategic approach to academic and research excellence
Every student pursues their own passion and conducts research in that area to contribute to the health of our environment. Undergraduates can choose from 6 concentrations, drawn from our three areas of expertise: water and watersheds, One Health, and conservation.
Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC)
We have a multi-investigator research and education center on the tidal Potomac River - the Potomac Science Center. About half of the ESP core faculty is housed here.
