International Master Degree Program in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (in English)

Top↑Program Description

Duration of study:
2 Years

Objective of the Program:
This program is designed, in environmental disciplines, to provide students the basic theories and systematic knowledge in environmental science, environmental economy, environmental sociology, and environmental management. It is to enable students to understand the concept and theory in sustainable development, to have the potential and innovative thinking in environmental and resource management, so as to apply to the practice in policies assessment, management, or decision-making in their country, region, or industry.

Study Requirements:

Course study requirements:
Total credits are not fewer than 34, in which 18 credits are from core courses (including Chinese), and more than 11 credits are from selective courses. Not less than 5 credits are from other compulsory activities.

Thesis Requirement:
Students should complete research proposal writing before the end of the second semester. The master thesis and research work should be done according to the standards of The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and pass the thesis defense finally.

Compulsory Courses:
Environmental Science; Environmental Ethics; Environmental sociology; Environmental Economy and Circular Economy; Tools and Frameworks for environment management; Environment laws and system; Global Warming and Climate Change.

Degree to be awarded:
The student who has fulfilled all the courses and thesis requirements will be awarded the Master Degree of Environmental Science of Tongji University.

IESD curriculum (example) for international Program, Fall Semester

Course Description:

1. Environmental Ethics (Human Dimensions and Sustainability): 2 credits
Brings about appreciation of harmony of mind, body, soul, needs and wants; importance in developing sustainable future

2. Environmental Science (Environmental Dimensions of Sustainable Development): 2 credits
Land (urban, rural, land use planning); air (local, regional and global pollution/emissions; technology and mitigation; water (availability, demand, consumption, emerging technologies); resources; biodiversity

3. Environmental Sociology (Social Dimensions of Sustainable Development): 2 credits
Poverty; gender; migration; social indicators; affordability/well-being; literacy

4. Environmental Economics (Circular Economy and Economic Dimensions of Sustainable Development): 2 credits
3Rs; circular economy; trade and environment; economic indicators for SD; globalization; natural resources valuation; environmental economics; eco-industry; eco-city; environmental accounting; case studies

5. Frameworks and Tools for Sustainable Development: 2 credits
Understanding and assessment of sustainable development indicators (triple bottom line, LCA, EMS, CP, eco efficiency); integration of sustainable development  dimensions; case studies; role of monitoring; state of the environment

6. Environmental Management and Policies: 2 credits
Governance; legal issues; role of ministries; regulatory bodies including standards and compliance, public, stakeholders, mass media; role of local versus national governance, regional and sub regional institutions

7. Global Environmental Challenges: 2 credits
Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Air: Kyoto, Montreal, IPCC, etc
Land:  CBD, CMS, CITES,
Water:  Regional Seas, Law of the Seas, GPA etc. Globalization, regional implications

8. Environmental Project Management: 2 credits
An integrated approach to environmental project management. The students learn every step of environmental project management from plan to evaluation. Emphasis is placed on critical factors that are often unique to a major environmental project.

9. Atmospheric Science and Climate Change: 2 credits
Understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and climate change: the fundamentals of the air and atmosphere, principle meteorological factors, inversion and atmospheric stability, air motions, weather systems, sun radiation and energy balance, observations on global warming and climate changes, mechanism and forcing, overview of climate models, scenario analysis, prediction of climate change. This course also reviews international efforts to mitigate global warming and climate change.

10. Environmental Ecology: 2 credits
This course is designed to give students easy access to key ecological materials, for understanding and applying. Comprehension of principles of ecology and their implications for analyzing environmental problems focused on the dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems. The course is divided into 8 chapters, in the domain of environment science and engineering. The knowledge will help the students for further understanding and application in globe environmental administration and sustainable development.

Top↑Entry Requirements

Language Requirement:
80 or above for TOEFL; or 6.0 or above for IELTS; or other certificates which can prove that English is his/her native language or the working language at college.

Academic Requirement:
Bachelor's degree educational background or equivalent and majors in environment, energy, chemical engineering, urban planning or economy and management etc.

Top↑Application Materials

1. Photocopy of valid passport
   With name, passport number & expiration date, and photo included
2. Passport photo
   A recent passport-sized photo of the applicant
3. Undergraduate school transcript
4. Bachelor's degree diploma
   Graduation certificate in languages other than Chinese or English should be translated into Chinese or English and be certified by notarization.
5. English proficiency test certificate
   80 or above for TOEFL; 6.0 or above for IELTS; or other certificates which can prove that English is his/her native language or the working language at college.
6. Two letters of recommendation
   From professor or associate professor or equivalents
7. Study plan
   A letter of motivation(reasons for applying to this program, not less than 800)

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