Yale’s School of the Environment Unveils New One-Year Programs

Starting in August 2024, the Yale School of the Environment will introduce two new programs: the Executive Master of Environmental Management (EMEM) and the Executive Master of Forestry (EMF). These programs, designed for seasoned professionals with at least a decade of experience, will provide an accelerated, immersive educational experience over the course of one year.

Dean Indy Burke highlighted the distinctiveness of these executive programs, stating, “Our traditional two-year degree programs offer an unparalleled educational experience for early-career professionals. The executive master’s degree programs will provide the same, high-touch immersive experience but in a highly personalized program designed specifically for senior leaders and mid-career professionals.”

The EMEM and EMF programs are a revival of the School’s earlier one-year Master’s programs that shared the same names as their current two-year counterparts. According to Mark Ashton, director of Yale Forests and senior associate dean for The Forest School, these new programs aim to cater to experienced individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in environmental management and forestry.

Agustín Carbó, a graduate of the previous mid-career residential program, praised his experience, recalling how the program enriched his understanding of environmental issues. He noted, “This was an amazing experience… like my advisor, Prof. Brad Gentry, told me, ‘This is like a candy store.’” Carbó, who now serves as the inaugural chairman of the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau, emphasized how the program provided him with a comprehensive perspective that helped him address complex environmental challenges during his tenure as executive director of the Puerto Rico Solid Waste Authority.

The EMF program, in particular, requires applicants to possess a degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related environmental field, along with at least ten years of relevant work experience. As Ashton elaborated, “Having a one-year period of immersion can be a very refreshing and restoring experience that can advance someone’s career in new ways.”

Participants in both programs will have the opportunity to engage fully on Yale’s campus, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and learning. Kenneth Gillingham, the senior associate dean of academic affairs, expressed that attracting mid-career environmental leaders will significantly enhance the intellectual discourse within the School. He stated, “There has long been an interest in bringing in a small number of mid-career environmental leaders to the Yale School of the Environment, as they add greatly to intellectual discourse and provide keen insights to help our existing master’s students learn about career opportunities.”

Established in 1900 as the Yale Forest School, the School of the Environment has a long-standing tradition of advancing environmental education and research. These new executive programs are set to continue that legacy by emphasizing rigorous academic training tailored to the needs of experienced professionals eager to lead in the field of environmental management and forestry.