Students in the environmental policy analysis and planning (EPAP) major apply coursework in natural sciences to analyze environmental problems and formulate policy options and solutions. Issues of resource quality, pollution, energy use and recreational policy are all addressed by EPAP majors. Students gain skills in the growing areas of environmental impact assessment and geographic information systems. The courses in this major focus on the relationship between humans and the environment. Interdisciplinary coursework includes economics, agricultural economics, political science and sociology. Internships are highly encouraged in this major, as real-world research work is a focus of the program. Students have the option of taking one of seven specializations including city and regional planning, climate change policy, conservation management, energy and transportation planning, environmental policy and politics, integrated policy, and water management.
Environmental policy analysis and planning graduates are prepared for employment in environmental, natural resource, energy, and transportation focused public agencies, consulting firms, non-governmental organizations, and businesses, or as legislative aides for elected representatives. The major is also excellent preparation for students who want to go on to graduate work in law, planning, public policy, political science, economics, or business.
The Climate Change Policy track provides students with an in-depth understanding of how air quality policies are designed and implemented, and how to determine if those policies are effective. This track includes courses on climate policy, environmental economics, and climate science.