Environmental Decision-Making: Foundations and Applied Approaches from the Field - 575.752

This course examines the practical decision-making challenges faced by environmental engineers, planners, and scientists throughout the lifecycle of environmental programs and projects—from conception to completion. Learners begin with foundational models of decision-making, exploring environmental worldviews and ethics to better understand intercultural dynamics that can shape or hinder implementation.Emphasis is placed on the praxis of effective decision-making, encouraging learners to analyze real-world cases, assess their own approaches, and develop practical solutions. Topics include NEPA, fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable energy decision-making, Superfund sites, public land use, and the influence of environmental and social movements. Each module features perspectives from practitioners across the environmental field to illustrate current and emerging approaches to decision-making.The course is delivered asynchronously, with optional opportunities to join select modules synchronously for real-time engagement. These flexible participation options allow learners to choose their preferred mode of interaction without affecting course completion. Additionally, students may collaborate with global peers in role-playing simulations and select from alternative project formats designed to support diverse learning styles and enhance successful completion of graded assignments.