News Release

As a result of a recommendation by its external Environmental Advisory Board and a growing national partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering has added a planning and management degree option to its graduate-level, part-time environmental engineering program.

The new master of science in environmental planning and management degree, recently approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, complements the program's two existing degrees options: master of environmental engineering and master of science in environmental engineering and science. The new environmental planning and management degree option will be offered to students entering the program, beginning in the spring 2004 term.

The Johns Hopkins Part-Time Program in Environmental Engineering, Science and Management is recognized as one of the nation's most comprehensive and rigorous part-time programs in this field of study. Instruction is integrated with that of the full-time program offered by the university's Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, which is recognized worldwide for its graduate environmental research and education.

The part-time program accommodates working professionals whose jobs require a broader understanding and knowledge of environmental issues and stewardship. The new master of science in environmental planning and management degree provides the analytical and conceptual tools necessary to identify, prepare and evaluate complex environmental and water resource projects.

"With challenges that arise as a result of technology and growth worldwide, we observe an increasing need for environmental planners and managers to become part of public and private decision-making processes," explained Hedy Alavi, the program's chair. "The goal of this degree is to provide a focused course of study that emphasizes advanced topics in engineering management. The degree will prepare graduates for specialized jobs formulating and analyzing environmental policy; managing multi-faceted projects; conducting impact assessments for private and public projects; assessing, managing and communicating health and environmental risks to the public; managing and planning water, air and energy resources; and monitoring of environmental indicators."

The Johns Hopkins master's-level environmental courses are offered in Baltimore, Rockville, Laurel, Washington, D.C., and Aberdeen. Several fully online course are available in which students do not have to meet in a classroom setting.

Part of The Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering, the Part-Time Programs in Engineering and Applied Science offer masters degrees in 13 distinct disciplines, as well as undergraduate programs in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and engineering science. There are currently more than 2,200 students enrolled in PTE programs at seven education centers throughout the Baltimore/Washington area. For more information on PTE programs and functions, contact Executive Director Sarah Steinberg at 301-294-7070, visit the Web site at www.jhu.edu/pte, or e-mail [email protected].