Newsgroups: bit.listserv.biosph-l
Date:         Fri, 9 Oct 1992 11:13:21 EDT
Reply-To:     aeholman@MAILBOX.SYR.EDU
From:         aeholman@MAILBOX.SYR.EDU
Subject: Please Critique "Program Decription: Columbia University"

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If anyone can give me some feedback about this description or the Columbia
program itself, please send me a message.  We are trying to compare various
graduate programs around the country and need all the input we can get.
_____________________________________________________



PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Columbia University
School of International & Public Affairs
MPA Program
Environmental Science & Technology Policy Concentration

Focus
Columbia's program focuses on 'management of the environment'.
Unlike other programs, Columbia's concentrates on the development and
management of scientific and technological advances.  Through coursework
legal, economic, policy, and ethical issues are confronted.  Geared towards
policy and managers, the concentration addresses both domestic and
international affairs.

Strengths
Undoubtedly, the concentration benefits from the quality of Columbia's
faculty.  The program also has the potential to draw from each of the other
schools.  Being located in New York City with all of its resources must
also be seen as a strong point.

More than other schools, it seems likely that the international side of
environmental issues plays an important role due to the strengths of the
International Affairs program.

The inclusion of the course Environmental Sciences gives the program a edge
over those which do not contain any basic science courses.

Within the concentration itself, there are several options for custom
designing the MPA.  The three sample programs of study listed below show
that the student can chose to emphasize policy, technology, or economics.
Flexibility and variety provide students with a comprehensive view instead
of a constrained outlook.

Weaknesses
While the program looks impressive on paper, questions have been raised
concerning the number and variety of courses actually being taught.  Dr.
David Lu of Bucknell University was also concerned that the class sizes
might be large detracting from the experience.

Sample Program

Core Requirements plus:

Environmental Science & Technology Policy:  Environmental Issues
L6242 	Environmental Law
P6300	Environmental Sciences
P9301	Law of Toxic Substances
U8900	Environmental Policy, Politics, & Management

Environmental Science & Technology Policy:  Environmental Technology
G8211	Science, Technology, and Public Policy
G9210	Biotechnology:  Public Policy & Legal Issues in an Emerging Industry
P6300	Environmental Sciences
U8900	Environmental Policy, Politics, & Management

Environmental Science & Technology Policy:  Environmental Technology
G6218	The Competitiveness of American Industry:  Issues of Private
Management and Public Policy
G8211	Science, Technology, and Public Policy
G9210	Biotechnology:  Public Policy & Legal Issues in an Emerging Industry
U6017	International Trade

Other Relevant Courses
U8900	International Affairs:  Environmental Politics, Policy, and
Management
Public Health 8309	 Air Pollution
Public Health P9317	 Case Study in risk assessment and environmental policy
Public Health  Water Resources and Public Health


Thanks.



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aeholman@maibox.syr.edu
Maxwell School
Syracuse University
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