Project Selection Overview

This overview applies to students pursuing a Master’s Project who matriculated in fall 2026 and beyond.

The Nicholas School offers two experiential pathways for completing the MEM degree: the Master’s Project (MP) and the Course-Based Pathway. The Course-Based Pathway is the default pathway for MEM and DEL students. Students interested in pursuing the Master’s Project must apply for approval, usually during their first year. This page provides an overview of the Master’s Project and explains how students develop project ideas and apply for approval. Please note that not all Master’s Project proposals will be approved.

The Master’s Project is an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed in the classroom to a real-world environmental problem or research question. Working with a Nicholas School faculty advisor, you will complete a substantial project that demonstrates analytical thinking, professional skills, and subject matter expertise.

Projects may be:

  • Individual or team-based
  • Student-generated, faculty-generated or external client submissions
  • Client-based and/or research-focused

Regardless of the project type, every Master’s Project is designed to help you:

  • Develop analytical and professional skills.
  • Address a meaningful environmental management question or problem.
  • Produce a professional-quality written deliverable for DukeSpace.
  • Communicate your work through a public presentation.

Students interested in pursuing an MP should begin exploring project ideas and connecting with faculty during their first semester.

Why Pursue a Master’s Project?

The Master’s Project is ideal for students who want to take on an independent or collaborative project that provides an opportunity to explore a topic in depth while building skills that are directly applicable to professional practice.

Through the MP, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Explore a topic that aligns with your academic and professional interests.
  • Work closely with a Nicholas School faculty advisor and, when appropriate, an external client or partner.
  • Strengthen project management, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Produce a substantial piece of work that showcases your knowledge and experience.

Project Selection Process

Project development begins during your first fall semester. Students may explore faculty- and client-generated project opportunities or develop their own project ideas. Faculty- and client-generated opportunities will be shared beginning in October.

To pursue a Master’s Project, students must:

  1. Connect with a faculty advisor: If interested in a faculty- or client-generated project, contact the faculty member associated with that project to discuss your interest. If you’d like to develop your own project idea, connect with a Nicholas School faculty member who is willing to serve as your MP advisor and help refine your project.
  2. Submit a Master’s Project Prospectus by the published deadline.
  3. Receive approval from the Program Chair.
  4. Meet subsequent deadlines throughout your Master’s Project process.

Project Prospectus approval is required before students may enroll. Not all project proposals will be approved. Students who are not approved for a Master’s Project will complete the Course-Based Pathway.

Master’s Project Requirements

Students approved to complete a Master’s Project will:

  • Complete 6 credits of MP coursework (3 credits in the fall semester and 3 credits in the spring semester of the second year). Register under your faculty advisor’s ENV 899 section.
  • Receive letter grades for the MP using the standard Duke grading scale.
  • Work under the supervision of a Nicholas School faculty advisor.
  • Complete all required project deliverables, including a written document suitable for submission to DukeSpace.

Timeline

Please see the Master’s Project Timeline At A Glance for more detailed deliverable deadlines.

Tips for a Successful Project

  • Start talking with faculty early in the fall semester.
  • Review faculty- and client-generated project opportunities when they become available.
  • Choose a project that is meaningful to you and realistic in scope.
  • Be open to refining your ideas based on faculty feedback.
  • Don’t wait until the Prospectus deadline to identify an advisor.