I came to Michigan for its academic quality, both at SNRE and other graduate professional programs. SNRE's emphasis on applied, professional learning exemplified by the Master's Project was another key factor for me. In-state tuition also made it a practical option. Despite those reasons, I've found that the greatest asset is working with colleagues with a shared mission.
Dual Degree: Public Policy
SNRE allows for flexibility to focus on your specific skills and interests. The Master's Project is just one example of flexibility, plus the projects industry focus ensures its relevance. The faculty and staff at UM are incredibly knowledgeable and accessible.
I was most drawn to SNRE because of the diversity of interests and interdisciplinarity of SNRE's student body and faculty, which I think facilitates a rich learning environment. Just as importantly, there are quite a few students and faculty who are working on issues surrounding poverty, rural livelihoods, and natural resource management in less-industrialized countries, my primary area of interest. My professors and classmates challenge me to think more deeply about critical social-environmental issues, which is exciting and useful.
I chose SNRE because it was the best program for my interests in ecology and environmental policy. The interdisciplinary program brings together a diverse group of students and faculty that has provided me with a breadth of learning experiences I would not have found elsewhere. The SNRE alumni network is also a wonderful thing to be a part of, I have already had great experiences reaching out to and working with alumni.
I attend SNRE because the school houses so many lenses for understanding our environment. In Dana, we constantly interact with one another's work, both formally and informally. I relish opportunities to communicate with others in many fields because my goals are defined by places, not disciplines. As a student studying Landscape Architecture, I am learning how I can use design principles to improve and restore ecological relationships.
The Behavior, Education, and Communication (BEC) field of study is the reason I chose Michigan. This program truly unique to UM and offers an exclusive, specialized niche. The BEC faculty are pioneers in the fields of environmental psychology, behavior change, and environmental education. Additionally, I was impressed by the feelings of community that I experienced among the SNRE students during my visits. Sometimes I forget that I attend one of the largest schools in Michigan, because I see friendly familiar faces everyday.
