about

ESP History

The idea for a Department of Environmental Science and Policy originated in 1982 when the Biology Department created its Ph.D. in Environmental Biology-Public Policy. Around 1990, the degree name was changed to Environmental Science and Policy.

In 2001, the Ph.D. program, a similarly titled MS program, and the undergraduate earth science program were combined to create the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. Faculty from the Biology Department joined ESP in 2003.

Today, the Department of Environmental Science and Policy enrolls more than 200 graduate students and involves approximately 50 faculty from a diverse array of departments, schools, and institutes throughout George Mason University.

ESP also collaborates with environmental professionals in governmental agencies, NGOs and the private sector to support its research and teaching.