[gep-ed] Extension learning?

[Greg Harman]

Greetings All,

New member, first-time poster, and victim of geography here looking for masters-level distance learning options. I’ve never been a fan of online learning (more by prejudice than experience), however I’m giving that a rethink since I’ve discovered how little the climate crisis has permeated my current department’s curriculum.

Are any here are aware of any solid online masters-level IR programs (or related inter/sub/non disciplines) strong on global environmental issues? I’m considering either jumping all-in with an online program or augmenting my current one in order to best pursue the questions that most concern me.

I recently returned to school to study IR after 15 years in the news business specializing as much as I’ve been able in climate change, environmental justice, and energy issues. I’m perhaps most interested in the burgeoning global carbon market and its impacts on global forests and indigenous communities via REDD and related mechanisms.

So far, the best online offerings I’ve found are through Harvard’s extension program (masters in both IR and sustainability). Yet I’ve

​ also​

been warned that any online program won’t be of much help if I ever decide to pursue a PhD. Agree?

All thoughts are welcome.

Greg

--

Gregory Harman
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[Greg Harman]

Thanks for the off-list responses everyone. Several of you wrote to confirm my suspicions that essentially all distance masters-level programs are worthless for those considering moving on to PhDs (though skills gained there may still prove marketable in the workaday world). Additionally, I've been warned off of the (underresourced?) Energy Policy and Climate program at Johns Hopkins University and encouraged to explore the online certificate program in Conservation Criminology at MSU, which includes environmental justice concepts: http://www.conservationcriminology.msu.edu/teaching/online.php

Armed with more/better info than I had a short bit ago. Enjoy the rest of your break.

Indebtedly,

G