Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Environmental Justice

Examine the impact of climate change and environmental policy on social and economic opportunity

Inequality and climate change are the twin policy and management challenges of our time. The environmental justice concentration is unique in its focus on both. Using an interdisciplinary curriculum, this concentration encompasses environmental justice history; rhetoric and theories; climate change problems; policies and solutions to these problems, and social and technological innovations currently in development.

Students in the environmental justice concentration engage in rigorous coursework and pursue career-building opportunities through internships, fellowships, and in-house research projects, putting them in an immediate position to take their careers to the next level.  With the expected growth in climate-related jobs, industries, and organizations, there is no better time to be entering this field. Graduates of the environmental justice concentration are prepared to pursue jobs at all levels of government, in research organizations, and more. They will work as policy analysts and program/project managers, as well as brand new job titles in this rapidly evolving field. 

Connection to Heller Research Institutes and Centers and Brandeis

Students in this concentration benefit from access to faculty in two research groups at the Heller School. The Institute for Economic and Racial Equity is dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, security and equity for individuals and families, particularly those left out of the economic mainstream. The Center for Youth and Communities works to improve the quality of education, workforce development, and community systems in order to prepare young people for college, work, and life. The concentration is also connected to Brandeis’ Environmental Studies Program through faculty affiliation.

Concentration Chair: Susan Curnan

“In this concentration, students explore how human health and wellbeing are inextricably linked to the use of natural resources and the consequences of extracting those resources on the ecosystem in which we live, particularly for poor and vulnerable populations.”

Course Requirements