Location:

Colon, Costa Rica

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Environmental Science

Program Overview

Program Description:

This programme directly addresses the need for a clearer understanding of the multiple relationships between climate change and international, national and local security issues. The academic premises on which the CCS specialization is built are: that environmental problems are closely linked to security issues at the individual, national and international levels; that climate change is one such issue and is a potential contributor to increased intra-state conflict levels; and that the international community plays an essential role in governing the climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The ESP-CCS specialization aspires to contribute to significant environmental and development improvements, such as the recognition and empowerment of local and indigenous communities in the shaping of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, and the identification and mitigation of conflicts that arise from climate change related issues. These areas are closely related to each other, and it is expected that their integrated treatment will provide decision makers with concrete starting points for peace building in the broad climate change field. Successful candidates into this program typically have obtained high qualifications in an accredited bachelor's degree in the social sciences (anthropology, geography, political sciences and similar degrees) or in environmental sciences, preferably in some combination of the above. They also demonstrate preferably 3-4 years or more of relevant experience in fields related to the program. English proficiency is a must, while some proficiency in Spanish is preferable, because of the many field activities of this program in Costa Rica. The selected candidates eventually show a very clear and concrete commitment towards the understanding and implementation of local, national or international actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and offer a convincing vision of the role of the program in their future career. The location of this programme in Costa Rica allows the participants to interact first-hand with the political, policy and technical specialists who have in the past and still contribute with cutting edge policies that make the countriy an example worldwide in testing new ideas in the climate change mitigation and adaptation fields. The 40 credits program takes place over two course semesters between August of one year and May of the following year, followed by an independent study for a total duration of 11 months.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

SINAES

Financial Aid:

No