Post graduation, EDH graduates can be found in government agencies, non-profits, international organizations, and the private sector.
Department of Environment, Development & Health
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Our Programs
Our degree programs and thematic areas give you the tools to work on justice- and equity-informed approaches to the interrelated challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, migration, urbanization, emerging technologies, data, governance, and global health.
Master's degrees
MA in Global Environmental Policy
The Global Environmental Policy program helps you understand causes of environmental harm and identify ways to build a more sustainable world. Particular areas of program focus include climate change, sustainable energy, water, food and agriculture, environment and development, peacebuilding, and urban design and sustainability.
MA in International Development
For nearly 50 years, the MA in International Development (MAID) program has trained graduates to work toward addressing the world’s most pressing economic, environmental, health and humanitarian challenges. MAID is unique in its focus on essential job skills, rigorous research methods, and critical histories and theories of development. The program emphasizes links between global and local action, acknowledges the interrelatedness of environmental, political, economic, and global health challenges, and equips graduates to become effective and ethical agents of change.
MA in International Affairs: Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
Natural Resources and Sustainable Development is a dual master’s degree in which you will receive degrees from both American University and the United Nations-affiliated University for Peace in Costa Rica, where you’ll spend your second and third semesters. American University offers international relations and environmental politics studies and unique exposure to Washington, DC, policy institutions and NGOs, while the University for Peace provides practical experience in sustainable development. Courses are taught in English, with mandatory free Spanish instruction provided for one year.
MS in Development Management
Development Management is for those who have at least four years' prior field experience and a strong applied and practical focus. You'll work on development projects and programs, capacity building, organization or institution building, NGO management, or monitoring and evaluation in developing countries or among disadvantaged communities abroad. You can use the elective concentration courses, such as gender and development, environment and development, or social entrepreneurship, to focus on a sector of your choice or to deepen your management skills.
Undergraduate thematic areas
Environmental Sustainability and Global Health
Many of the most profound challenges facing humanity relate to the environment, health, or the intersection of the two. Climate change and species extinction currently undermine the quality of life for many and threaten to compromise the fundamental, organic infrastructure that supports all life on earth. Infectious diseases like HIV and malaria remain a major cause of death in poorer countries, while chronic diseases, once most apparent in richer countries, are becoming increasingly prevalent around the world. Many of the most profound challenges facing humanity relate to the environment, health, or the intersection of the two. Climate change, global pandemics, species extinction, food insecurity, and water insecurity currently undermine the quality of life for many and threaten to compromise the fundamental, organic infrastructure that supports all life on earth. Infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, Ebola, and HIV remain a major cause of illness and death, while chronic diseases, once most apparent in richer countries, are increasingly prevalent around the world. Meanwhile, environmental toxins, air and water pollution, and soil degradation compromise the health and well-being of people everywhere. Not only do ecological issues have the potential to impact public health, but decisions made by communities and the private and public sectors—from transportation to agriculture to healthcare—influence ecosystem functions. The Environmental Sustainability and Global Health Thematic Area introduces students to the socio-political dynamics of global health and environmental affairs. Students explore the multiple causes and consequences of environmental harm and ill health and work to understand the mechanisms of governance best able to respond. Cutting across both issues are the fundamental injustices and inequalities between people as well as between countries. Ultimately, students develop the intellectual, theoretical, scientific, and applied tools needed to simultaneously work towards a safer, healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable world.
Gateway Course
SISU 250 Environmental Sustainability and Global Health (multiple sections available)
Thematic Area Courses
*Course offerings vary by semester. Alternative and/or additional options may be available.
- SISU 349 Global Health Interventions
- SISU 349 Politics of Population
- SISU 349 Climate Resilient Cities
- SISU 350 The Politics of Water
- SISU 350 Pandemics, Ethics, and the Public Health Response
- SISU 350 BioEthics
- SISU 352 Environmental Politics of Asia
- SISU 358 Global Health
- SISU 359 Environment, Conflict, and Peace
Global Inequality and Development
The Global Inequality and Development Thematic Area directly addresses issues concerning the theory and practice of achieving equitable and sustainable human development. Courses will encompass a broad examination of issues related to poverty and inequality as they intersect with urban and rural geographies, the built and natural environment, food systems, conflict, education, gender, youth and development, and possibilities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. This area will include historical analysis of the field of development studies from colonialism through the present with a focus on understanding and analyzing conflicts, shared goals, and normative values embedded in development objectives. Students will become equipped to understand and analyze the multiple causes and consequences of development and inequality, and will become better equipped to understand the mechanisms of governance best able to respond to these challenges.
Gateway Course
SISU 240 International Development (multiple sections available)
Thematic Area Courses
*Course offerings vary by semester. Alternative and/or additional options may be available.
- SISU 340 Urbanization in Africa
- SISU 340 Bureaucracy and Inequality
- SISU 340 The Modern African Metropolis
- SISU 340 Migration and Development
- SISU 348 Gender and Development
- SISU 349 Politics of Population
- SISU 349 Global Health Interventions
- SISU 349 Climate Resilient Cities
Graduate Certificates
Environment, Community, and Equity
Prepare yourself to tackle challenges at the nexus of environmental protection, community resilience, and equity. Gain expertise in theories linking environmental change and justice, and develop a foundational understanding of environmental equity issues. Graduates are ready for roles integrating environmental protection with equity in diverse settings like international organizations and NGOs. The program includes both curricular and co-curricular components.
Global Health and Culture
The Global Health & Culture Certificate program takes an interdisciplinary, person-centered approach to complex global health challenges. We prepare students for global health work by providing training in best practices, basic science, policy-relevant research methodologies, theoretical and ethical frameworks, and a robust network of academic professionals with industry-proven experience. Students will learn how to frame and approach health challenges from a global perspective, and by putting people first. This program takes advantage of American University's dynamic research-driven community through collaborative projects and coursework. The curriculum for this certificate program is grounded in coursework across the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of International Service.
Global Migration
The Global Migration graduate certificate program equips students with the tools and knowledge to influence and shape future global migration policy and practice. Our industry-experienced community of scholars will prepare students with an in-depth understanding of global migration dynamics, impacts, policies, and interventions that can be applied to careers across the policy and advocacy sectors. The curriculum for this program aims to establish a foundational understanding of global migration today, its causes and effects, and the greater international context of the field. The Global Migration certificate program will empower aspiring international professionals with the skills they need to navigate complex and relevant issues affecting refugees and migrants worldwide.
Humanitarian Policy and Practice
Conflicts and disasters are accelerating worldwide, and the aid sector is at a crossroads. Now more than ever we need people prepared and committed to providing innovative and life-saving assistance to people most in need. This graduate certificate will prepare you for work in the aid sector and in the midst of conflicts and disasters. The certificate is a 12-credit degree program and will appear on your transcript in addition to your Masters degree. It is designed to build a community of practice at American University committed to ethical and effective humanitarian policies and relief operations.
Centers
Our department's faculty members work spans a diverse array of research centers and initiatives across both SIS and the entire university. Our research fosters cross-collaboration to address pressing global challenges while offering invaluable opportunities for engagement and growth to faculty, students, and our wider academic community.