American University of Beirut

​​​The degree of Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Sciences is offered with four possible majors:

• Environmental Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS)
• Ecosystem Management in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS)
• Environmental Technology in the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (SFEA)
• Environmental Policy Planning in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)
  
   
  

The program draws on the resources of various departments of the faculties of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS), Arts and Sciences (FAS), Engineering and Architecture (SFEA), Health Sciences (FHS), and Medicine (FM), and it provides opportunities for study and research in the general field of the environment.

The program provides graduates with the necessary tools for professional practice and/or the pursuit of higher education. It is administered by an interfaculty committee that coordinates with the graduate committees of the faculties concerned.

​Program Learning Outcomes

The MS in Environmental Sciences is buillt around five program learning outcomes (PLOs), reflecting the core knowledge and skills that individuals will develop through the completion of MS degree. 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of various environmental issues in their local, national, regional, international and global contexts.
2. Formulate solutions to key environmental issues on diverse systems taking into consideration ecological, socioeconomic, political, health and safety, ethical, cultural and sustainability aspects.
3. Evaluate the science and policy implications of environmental issues on the formation and implementation of public and international policy, decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
4. Apply relevant system analysis, simulation techniques, statistical analysis, field and laboratory techniques as well as social science research and humanities methods to gather and analyze quantitatively and/or qualitatively information in environmental sciences.
5. Synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge, technical knowledge, practical application, and research methodologies through independent research, community projects and civic engagement activities.​
   

Find out more about the majors within the Environmental Sciences Program:

Environmental Health (ENVH)

The aim of the MSES-ENVH program is to provide graduates with an understanding of the dynamic interaction between human health, environment, and development. It assesses exposure to environmental and occupational health hazards, develops approaches for assessing, preventing, controlling, and managing environmental hazards that pose risks to human health and the environment based on sound scientific and ethical considerations. It also evaluate environmental health interventions by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application through independent research,  community projects, and civic engagement activities that contribute to social justice as well as economic and environmental sustainability.

Ecosystem Management (ECOM)

Ecosystem management is a transdisciplinary field which integrates ecological, social, economic and political sciences with the aim of preventing and mitigating environmental potential problems and achieving social well-being. The discipline is based on a clear understanding of the relationship between all components of an ecosystem, and involves the collection, analysis, interpretation and integration of information required for decision-making. Graduates acquire an excellent working knowledge of the methodologies and techniques used in monitoring and management of Mediterranean ecosystems.

Environmental Technology (ENVT)

The aim of the MSES-ENVT combines the key elements of the environment: water, air and land for environmental pollution control. Students understand the fate and transport of pollutants in the environment (air, water, soil), and acquire an environmental engineering perspective on the treatment, mitigation, and management of pollutants at source as well as in the environment. They also learn about the emerging environmental technologies developed for environmental quality evaluation, monitoring, and remediation.

Environmental Policy Planning (ENVP)

The aim of the MSES-ENVP program is to help students understand the process of environmental policy-making that is elaborated by public and non-state actors operating on the global, international, national and local levels. It uses interdisciplinary social science and humanities methods, frameworks and outlooks to explore the complex nature of political, legal, bureaucratic, scientific and socioeconomic processes that shape environmental and natural resource policy on all these levels. The program works with students to critically analyze, and gain detailed knowledge in, contemporary environmental problems and movements; governance and power structures; and the dynamic struggles among various state and non-state players in Lebanon, the Middle East region, and beyond. The program studies policy problems particularly relevant to Lebanon and the Middle East such as climate change, biodiversity, water scarcity, solid waste and the protection of coasts and seas.

For specialization in specific major, please refer to the concerned department and check faculty members.