< Back to MESM Program Academics

Course list     Communications Focus     Innovation Focus

 

We understand the importance of compelling science stories— a science or management solution is only as effective as your ability to communicate it. Environmental professionals need to engage a wider public now more than ever.

The MESM Strategic Environmental Communication and Media focus gives you the skills to clearly communicate environmental solutions and engage community action.

As a Master of Environmental Science and Management student at Bren, you can choose one or more optional academic focus areas to enhance your master’s experience. The MESM Communication focus is a unique program that provides training in science and environmental communication combined with your master's degree. You will take coursework in and complete a capstone in communication and media – such as outreach and education, video production, gaming, multimedia, public relations, brand strategy, and more – and gain skills that will give you a competitive advantage for employers. 

The Communication focus trains storytellers, strategic thinkers, and compelling communicators to solve environmental problems through creativity, media, and inspired outreach. The strength of the program lies within its innovative coursework, a blend of theory and practice. Our training will help you to create compelling narratives, reach strategically selected audiences, work comfortably within a variety of media formats, and assess your message impact. You will also acquire indispensable verbal and written communication skills and learn media tools such as video production, social media, grassroots organizing, or writing. Bren MESM graduates who have completed the Communication focus have enhanced career opportunities and have been placed everywhere from communication consulting firms, to community outreach management positions, to jobs as organizational spokespeople and strategists.

Image
Three students shooting a video on the beach

Focus Area Coursework

The Communication focus offers several courses in science and environmental communication theory, skill building, and applied client work. Focus areas are optional for MESM students.

To complete the Communication focus, students must take at least 12 units of the following courses. 

12 units required to complete the focus

 

Students may also enroll in courses offered in other departments for Bren Communication elective credit, such as EDS 240: Data Visualization and Communication, FAMST 118: Green Screen, and TMP 244: Entrepreneurial Marketing. All courses outside of Bren do not guarantee enrollment and require instructor permission. Your electives must also be approved by the Communication Program manager to count toward the 8-unit Communication Focus elective requirement.

Image
Instructor reviewing video footage on screen in studio

Communication Capstones

The communication capstone project (ESM 449) represents a culmination of the applied skills that Communication focus students learn. This experience helps students build skills and a communication portfolio while working for an external client over ten weeks in spring quarter. Students may also develop their own communication products or expand upon their Master's Group Project or Eco-E Project.

Students and potential clients are encouraged to propose communication capstone projects. Successful projects should focus on a clear goal, such as raising awareness, promoting engagement, creating educational opportunities, or compelling individuals to engage in pro-environmental behavior. They must also incorporate at least two of the following: strategy, narrative/story development, audience research, development of a communication skill or tool.

DOWNLOAD PROPOSAL GUIDELINES (PDF)

Projects
Service engineer checking solar cell on the roof for maintenance if there is a damaged part.

Clean Power, Clean Health

Health centers are vulnerable to unreliable power supplies during natural disasters & blackouts. This team created educational flyers, infographics, and a video to help engage & encourage health center staff to transition to solar through Community Energy Company.

Marine biologist writing down data sitting on a boat

LTER Video Series

The Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) network uncovers unique findings only possible through its long term approach to science. However, many are not aware of its contributions. This team created a video series on the benefits of the LTER network & the scientific insights it can offer.

Teamwork harvesting fresh vegetables in the community greenhouse garden

The Potential of Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture offers unique environmental benefits that conventional agriculture cannot. This team created targeted papers to certifying bodies and ranchers, and a short film on how regenerative agriculture works for White Buffalo Land Trust.

Closeup of the blowing blue whale on the water surface.

Blue Whales Blue Skies Certification Strategy

The BWBS program is a successful incentive program that slows ships in the SB Channel to reduce pollution & whale strikes—but it must become more widely adopted to have the intended impact. This team presents a strategy to build a pathway to certification through a brand ambassador network.

Image
Group of about 15 people stand in two rows for photo

Are you ready to solve environmental problems?

Request more information, get to know the Bren School, and start planning your application today.