1. Florida State University
Florida public universities are ranked highly on many of our lists due to their highly affordable tuition, and Florida State University is no exception. It offers a leading Master’s in Planning with a specialization in Environmental Planning. The FSU Master of Science in Planning program provides a broad-based and hands-on core curriculum that prepares all students for a professional career in the field of urban and regional planning. The environmental planning specialization features courses in climate change, coastal planning, river basin planning, methods of analysis, food systems planning, and more. Students are also encouraged to take courses in other complementary graduate programs across campus including geography, environmental law, and environmental sciences. Students must complete both an internship and a capstone project or a thesis.
- Tuition per year: $5,656 in-state; $18,786 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 80%
2. University of Montana
The University of Montana has the top Master’s in Environmental Management in the region. Its program is technically a Master’s in Environmental Studies (EVST) with focuses in Environmental Policy & Law, Environmental Justice, and Indigenous Knowledge. A Certificate in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution is also offered. Students complete a thesis, a professional paper, or a portfolio, and can also benefit from various applied learning experiences including internship opportunities. EVST is a member of Western Regional Graduate Program.
- Tuition per year: $6,662 in-state; $27,238 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 45%
3. University of Colorado – Denver
The University of Colorado – Denver has the leading graduate environmental management program in the state. Its program is technically a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Environmental Policy and Management. Students can complete this program in person, online, or in a hybrid format.
- Tuition per year: $9,335 in-state; $25,823 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 62%
4. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers the top environmental management graduate program in the Pacific Northwest. Its relevant program is a Master of Public Affairs with a specialization in Environmental Policy and Management. Students must complete a capstone project before being allowed to graduate. This degree can be pursued on either a full-time or a part-time basis.
- Tuition per year: $11,465 in-state; $38,166 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 84%
5. Portland State University
Portland State University in Oregon may have been edged out by UW as the leading institution for environmental management in the Pacific Northwest, but it still offers a world-class program. Students must complete a capstone project prior to graduation. They are prepared to work for government agencies or as consultants.
- Tuition per year: $12,582 (Oregon residents); $18,792 (non-residents)
- Graduation rate: 90.3%
6. Indiana University – O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Indiana University is often considered to be one of the leading public institutions in the country, so it’s little surprise that it’s highly ranked on our list. Its unique program offers a dual Master’s in Public Affairs and Environmental Science. Students must complete 60 credits of coursework to graduate.
- Tuition per year: $12,380 (resident); $30,450 (non-resident)
- Graduation rate: 91%
7.Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology, better known as Georgia Tech, has a leading graduate environmental management program. Its program is a Master’s in Sustainable Energy and Environmental Management. Students have the opportunity to greatly customize their curriculum.
- Tuition per year: $12,682 in-state; $33,794 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 86%
If you’re looking for the best Master’s in Environmental Management degree, look no further than our website.
8. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers the state’s leading graduate environmental management program. Its program is technically a Master’s in Environmental and Resource Management. This program offers three concentrations: Environmental Management, International Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, and Water Management.
- Tuition per year: $11,338 in-state; $29,428 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 67%
9. University of California – Berkeley
The University of California – Berkeley is known for being a leader in environmental studies, and it has top graduate environmental management program. Its unique program is a Master’s in Range Management. Students may choose to complete a thesis or a comprehensive oral exam.
- Tuition per year: $14,253 in-state; $44,007 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 92%
10. University of California – Davis
The University of California – Davis offers one of the state’s leading environmental management programs. Its program is a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Management. Students must complete a comprehensive exam before graduating.
- Tuition per year: $13,598.08 in-state; $28,700.08 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 85%
11. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is well-known for its top-notch STEM programs, including its graduate environmental management program. Its Master’s Environment and Sustainability offers a specialization in Environmental Policy and Planning. Students have multiple opportunities to gain practical experience through fieldwork.
- Tuition per year: $15,558 in-state; $51,200 non-resident
- Graduation rate: 91%
12. Yale University
Yale University is the first private institution on our list. It offers a leading Master’s of Environmental Management with many specializations. Students can even create their own specialization.
- Tuition per year: $46,200
- Graduation rate: 94%
13. Georgetown University
Georgetown University has an innovative graduate environmental management program. Its program is a Master’s in Environmental Studies with a specialization in imparting Best Available Sciences into Environmental Policymaking. Their program is typically a 2-year program and Georgetown’s Washington D.C. location means that many students go on to work for federal agencies.
- Tuition per year: $56,058
- Graduation rate: 94%
14. Duke University
Duke University is one of the most prestigious private institutions in the South. It offers a leading Master’s in Environmental Management. Students must complete either a capstone project or an environmental leadership practicum.
- Tuition per year: $58,031
- Graduation rate: 95%
15. Columbia University
Columbia University is very prestigious, though it does have expensive tuition. It offers a unique Master’s in Sustainability Management. Students can also pursue several graduate certificates in the field.
- Tuition per year: $61,788
- Graduation rate: 95%
Our Ranking Methodology
Our rankings are determined by using our formula, which considers two vital statistics from each school: graduation percentage and yearly tuition rate. It should be noted that many of the schools on this list are public institutions with different tuition rates for resident and non-resident students. When evaluating one of the these schools, we only looked at its resident tuition rate. Our formula comes up with a rating by taking the applicable tuition rate and adding a multiplier that is equivalent to the percentage of students who enrolled at the school but did not graduate. This is how it works: ABC State University has a tuition rate of $15,000 and a graduation rate of 50%. Its rating would be 22,500 (15,000 x 150%). Lower ratings will result in higher rankings.
Students who are searching for the best Master’s in Environmental Management can find what they’re searching for on our site.
Representatives of the institutions on this list can contact us to request revisions or ask questions.
