No accredited environmental law degree
programs are offered online. However, students wishing to learn more
about environmental law and policy can pursue master's degrees in
environmental science, systems ecology, ecological engineering or
environmental management online.
Online Master's Degree Programs With Environmental Law Courses
At this time, students must attend a traditional, on-campus program
to earn a law degree, known as a Juris Doctor (J.D.). However, several
schools offer environmental law coursework as part of fully online
master's degrees in ecological engineering, systems ecology,
environmental science
or environmental management. Curriculum varies, but all of these are
science-intensive programs. In addition to classes specific to
environmental law and ethics, students should expect a heavy
concentration of ecology, geology, biology, environmental studies,
chemistry and statistics coursework.
A bachelor's degree is a typical educational prerequisite for a
master's degree in these fields. Most programs also require a minimum
undergraduate grade point average and acceptable score on the Graduate
Record Examination (GRE).
Online master's degree programs with environmental law courses
typically offer similar curriculum to their on-campus counterparts.
Because course content is delivered online, students must have access to
a computer with Internet connection. Lessons, homework assignments and
exams are obtained and submitted via the school's distance learning
website. Using e-mail, online chat rooms and message boards, students
have the ability to communicate with both instructors and fellow
classmates. Electronic documents, audio files and streaming videos are
often utilized in course delivery.
Popular Course Descriptions
Environmental Law Course
This introductory course discusses the history of U.S. law as it
pertains to environmental issues, specifically federal and state
environmental regulation and case law. This class focuses on four main
environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act,
National Environmental Policy Act, and Comprehensive Response
Compensation and Liability Act.
Environmental Management Course
This class focuses on the sustainability of natural resources and the
management theories and techniques implemented to conserve them.
Additional topics include waste management, safety concerns and other
environmentally impacting issues.
Ecology Course
The basic concepts of ecology and its relation to natural resources
and human population growth are taught in this course. Coursework
focuses on plant and animal ecology, with a history of the varied
processes creating the makeup of species, habitats and ecosystems. The
negative impact humans have had on the environment is also discussed.
Environmental Economics Course
A study of the allocation of scarce natural resources, this class
focuses on techniques to more efficiently use these supplies, as well as
potential remedies to the various environmental problems the world
faces. Additional topics of discussion include poverty and income
distribution, the impact of international agricultural markets and the
economics of population growth.
Environmental Ethics Course
This course focuses on the Earth's natural resources and the various
ethical predicaments encountered at various stages in human development.
This class illustrates various viewpoints taken by different groups or
cultures over the distribution and usage of resources, particularly
mining, ranching and agricultural communities, and the subsequent
dispute resolution techniques utilized when conflict occurs. Other
topics include the ethics of game and wildlife management, fisheries,
water conservation and biological diversity.
Graduates of a master's degree program with environmental law courses
may go on to pursue a J.D., while others may choose a career in the
environmental science or protection industries. Per the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental and conservation scientists,
specialists, and protection and conservation technicians held over
84,000 jobs in May of 2008. Industries vary, but the federal and state
government provide the vast majority of employment. Wages vary greatly
depending on title, work experience and education, with an hourly mean
wage ranging from $12.55 for conservation workers, to $21.36 for
technicians, to $37.49 for scientists (
www.bls.gov).
No comments:
Post a Comment