Ecological economics is a trans-disciplinary field of study that addresses the relationships between ecological systems and economic systems in the broadest sense. These relationships are central to environmental problems at local, state, regional, and global scales, and to building a sustainable future, but are not well covered by any existing discipline. Throughout the local, state and federal government, professionals with narrowly defined backgrounds must interact with professionals from related fields. The Certificate Program at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy will give graduates formal training in interdisciplinary work in an atmosphere of leaning and experimentation. This will improve not only the training and effectiveness of graduates, but also improve their potential to contribute to government, university and business realms. This certificate program creates a new synthesis to address public policy issues inherent in the achievement of economic development and ecological sustainability.

The Ecological Economics Certificate Program at the University of Maryland encourages trans-disciplinary interaction and cooperation among students and faculty, while allowing them to maintain a strong disciplinary home base.

To earn the Certificate, students must:

1. Have successfully completed (either as part of this program or previously) at least one (M.S.) or two (Ph.D.) graduate level courses in each of the four core areas of ecology, economics, management and quantitative methods (these requirements will also satisfy the MEES core requirements). In the economic area, a two course sequence with at least one 600 level or above microeconomics course (ie., PUAF 640, AREC 610, or ECON 603, subject to permission of the department) followed by a 600 level environmental/natural resource economics course (ie. AREC 698P) is required;
   
2. Have taken a minimum of 18 credit hours in relevant courses (these can also count towards the main degree);
   
3. Have taken two integrative capstone courses (Ecological Economics and Dynamic Modeling);
   
4. Pursue a topic in ecological economics in the thesis or dissertation (if a thesis is required for the degree in conjunction with which the certificate is earned).

Other requirements for degree programs being pursued in conjunction with the certificate (minimum total number of hours, examination, thesis and dissertation requirements, etc.) are set by the degree program in which the student is enrolled.

In this way, students can maintain affirm disciplinary base, but can broaden their perspective to include both the natural and social sciences and their interactions.

For more information, contact:

Matthias Ruth
Roy F. Weston Chair
Director, Environmental Policy Program
Co-Director, Engineering and Public Policy
School of Public Policy
University of Maryland
2202J Van Munching Hall
College Park , MD 20742
Phone: 301/405-6075 Fax: 301/403-4675