BALTIMORE, MD, May 29, 2007 -- Beginning with the fall 2007 semester, the Johns Hopkins University Engineering and Applied Science Programs for Professionals (EPP) will offer a fully online master of science degree program in environmental planning and management in collaboration with the university's Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering. This online program will focus on water resources planning.
"The online curriculum will emphasize the relationships between environmental engineering and science and public policy, with particular attention on decision-making tools and policy analysis, as well as the role of economic factors in environmental management and water resource planning," said Hedy Alavi, chair of the EPP master's program in environmental engineering, science and management and assistant to the dean for international programs in Johns Hopkins' Whiting School of Engineering.
This online program in environmental planning and management, believed to be the only one of its kind in the nation, is designed for working professionals who are located too far away from Johns Hopkins' educational centers or who cannot attend in-person classes because of work or family commitments. The program is open to applicants throughout the United States and in other countries. The courses, with many interactive features, are delivered entirely over the Internet, following the established academic schedule for each term. A number of courses offer opportunities for group collaboration. Students can complete many of the online requirements asynchronously, meaning they can be accessed at any time of day.
"Bringing the environmental planning and management degree program online demonstrates the continuing commitment of Johns Hopkins to provide high-tech educational opportunities to working engineers not only in the Maryland region, but throughout the country and the world," said Allan Bjerkaas, EPP associate dean.
Program chair Alavi added, "We feel this program will have a broad appeal to mid-career environmental managers and water resource planners at the federal and state levels, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, and their equivalent state agencies throughout the country." The program also is expected to be of interest to people affiliated with environmental organizations and consultancies as well as international organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, the United Nations Development Program and the World Bank.
The program of study requires completion of 10 one-term courses, all offered online. Core courses include Environmental Impact Assessment, Water Resources Management, Air Resources Modeling and Management, and Optimization Methods for Public Decision Making. The program has received approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
To provide more information about the program, EPP will host an online open house on Wednesday, June 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Participants will be able to communicate with program personnel and examine sample course content. Those interested in participating should visit http://www.epp.jhu.edu/environmental to reserve a place and obtain a confirmation e-mail and log-in information.
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