Earth and Environmental Resources Management and Law, M.E.E.R.M. & J.D.
Program Overview
The Earth and Environmental Resources Management and Law program prepares students for careers in environmental law. Students earn a Master of Environmental and Earth Resources Management (M.E.E.R.M.) and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in approximately four years. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary study, critical thinking, communication, advocacy, and research skills. Graduates can find employment in government agencies, energy companies, environmental organizations, and other settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Earth and Environmental Resources Management and Law, M.E.E.R.M. & J.D. program is a joint program offered by the University of South Carolina's College of Arts and Sciences and Joseph F. Rice School of Law. This program allows students to earn both a Master of Environmental and Earth Resources Management (M.E.E.R.M.) and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in approximately four years. The program's objective is to prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding field of environmental law. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address complex environmental problems by applying multiple social and science disciplines in an environmental law context.
Careers:
The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the environmental law field, including:
- Environmental Lawyer: This role involves advising clients on environmental regulations, representing them in legal proceedings, and advocating for environmental protection.
- Government Environmental Leader: This role involves working within government agencies to develop and implement environmental policies, regulations, and programs.
- Environmental Consultant: This role involves providing expert advice and services to businesses, organizations, and individuals on environmental issues, such as compliance with regulations, environmental impact assessments, and sustainability strategies.
Other:
- Program Highlights:
- Fast Track: Students can complete the program in approximately four years by taking up to 18 credits concurrently applying to both degrees.
- Flexible Curriculum: Students can design an interdisciplinary program based on their research interests and career goals.
- Internship or Research: Students can choose to complete a research thesis or an environmental law paper or complete an internship capstone project.
- Cost Effective: Students can save time and money by earning two degrees in fewer semester hours.
- Building Skills: The program helps students develop the following skills:
- Legal Knowledge: Interpreting and applying laws and regulations to specific situations or issues.
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments.
- Communication: Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing, or other means of expression.
- Advocacy: Promoting or defending a cause or issue often using awareness, education, and policy change.
- Research: Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems.
- Workplace Settings: Graduates of the program can find employment in a variety of settings, including:
- Government: Federal, state, and local agencies.
- Energy: Energy companies and organizations.
- Energy Resources: Companies involved in the exploration, development, and production of energy resources.
- Environment: Environmental organizations and non-profits.
- Private Sector: Businesses and corporations.
- Advanced Degrees: Graduates can pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Environmental Law and Policy (M.E.L.P.) or a Doctorate in Environmental Law and Policy.
- Related Degrees: The program is listed alongside other combination degree programs, including:
- Criminology and Criminal Justice and Law, M.A. & J.D.
- Social Work and Public Health in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, M.S.W. & M.P.H.
- Public Administration and Law, M.P.A. & J.D.
- Business Administration and Sport and Entertainment Management, M.B.A. & M.S.E.M.
- English and Library and Information, M.A. & M.L.I.S.
- Economics and Law, M.A. & J.D.
- Environmental Law and Policy and Law with Vermont School of Law, M.E.L.P. & J.D.
- Social Work and Public Health in Health Service Policy and Management, M.S.W. & M.P.H.
- International Business and Law, I.M.B.A. & J.D.
