The Bren School at UCSB plays a leading role in researching environmental issues, identifying and solving environmental problems, and training research scientists and environmental management professionals. The Bren School offers two degree programs: Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM) and PhD of Environmental Science and Management.
Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM)
The Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM) is a 2-year professional program focused on interdisciplinary collaborative solutions to environmental problems. Each MESM cohort is approximately 80 students; the total number of MESM students is 160. MESM students come from across the U.S. and around the world. MESM students develop breadth through courses in natural and social sciences, build depth through courses in a specialization, and participate in a year-long collaborative capstone project, either working as part of a Master's Group Project or Eco-Entrepreneurship (Eco-E) Project. For Master's Group Projects, students work together in groups of 4 or 5 with a faculty advisor to solve an environmental problem for a real client, such as a business, government agency, or non-governmental organization. For Eco-E Projects, students work together in groups of 2-5 to develop a business model for a new venture that addresses both a consumer and an environmental challenge. MESM graduates pursue practical, scalable, and scientifically-based environmental solutions that are relevant for careers in business, consulting, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and academic and research institutions.
PhD in Environmental Science and Management
The PhD in Environmental Science and Management is designed to develop broad knowledge, analytical powers, technical skills, and creative thinking demanded of environmental leaders. Each PhD cohort is approximately 10 students; the total number of PhD students is 50. Bren PhD students conduct innovative original research, typically over 5 years, with guidance from a faculty advisor and committee. Bren PhD training differs from a conventional discliplinary department by focusing on a wide variety of environmental issues, being multidiscilinary in nature, and individualized in implementation. Bren PhD alumni are leaders in academia, research, and business.