Geography, Environment, and Sustainability

Drew Bigelow

M.S., Sustainability & Environment, UNCG, 2022

B.A., Anthropology, UNCG, 2020

B.A., Environmental Studies, UNCG, 2020

Why the Environment & Sustainability Program? Drew started her undergraduate career as an anthropology major, but added environmental studies as a second major because it allowed her to meet existing degree requirements while also encouraging exploration of connections between human society and the environment. Drew decided to continue her education at UNCG through the MSSE, because the program was online and “there is no other program out there that combines physical science and social science perspectives quite like this one does.”

Favorite aspects/courses? Drew says, “I enjoyed GES 602 and GES 605 for their content, delivery and instructional design. I found these courses to be both practical in use and highly relevant to my interests surrounding human geography, planning and sustainable development. I also really enjoyed GES 697–my  capstone course–because it was fully customizable and allowed me to focus my research on regional planning and resilience. At the culmination of this capstone course, I successfully delivered a 52 page research report and presentation titled Regional Resilience: Theory and Practice. It is thanks to the research that I conducted for this capstone course that I have been given the opportunity to pursue a career in geographic planning.

What’s next? Shortly after she graduated, Drew was hired as a Planner for the City of Reidsville. She says, “This position is directly relevant to the coursework and research I conducted while in the MSSE graduate program. In this position I  work with the community and development department to oversee a variety of issues related to zoning, land use and urban development.” 

Jamie Watkins

B.A., Geography, UNCG, 2020

Why MSSE? Jamie chose MSSE for its affordability and flexibility, which allows her to have a better work/life balance. She enjoys the aspects of the program that allow her to be creative and apply her technical skills for projects. 

She says, “​​This is a demanding program and adapting to the new level of challenge takes time. If you put in the work, I promise it is well worth the effort.” 

Jamie, who currently works in EMS and Search and Rescue, is using her final project thesis to research water rescue calls in her home county. Her goal is to help inform mitigation strategies to better prepare her county for urban flooding events, especially in the light of climate uncertainty. 

Rhia Brown

B.S., Environmental Studies, Montreat College, 2012

Why MSSE? Working full-time, Rhia wanted an online program that emphasized ethics and gave real meaning to sustainability and environmentalism, something she says makes the MSSE unique. 

Achieving goals: Rhia explains how the MSSE is equipping her with skills needed in her desired career path in legislative work. She says, “This program is helping me fine tune my goals for government work and becoming a policy maker, and allowing me the space to become and effective environmental communicator. I have only taken two semesters of classes but I have already seen my worldview expand and adjust to accommodate the new information I am learning.”

Sam Gaillard

B.A., Environmental & Sustainability Studies, UNCG, 2021

Why MSSE? Having earned her undergraduate degree in our BA program, Sam wanted to build upon her connections with faculty.  She says, “I really like how UNCG frames itself within the environmental and sustainability movement.”

Making connections with classmates and faculty can be a challenge, Sam says, but something as simple as starting a Google Chat with a classmate can break down those barriers. Networking is important. 

Post-MSSE: Through her job at UNCG Outdoor Adventures, Sam has developed a passion for environmental education and recreation, but also has interests in field research — anywhere outside and working hands-on towards solutions. 

Savannah Gabrus

B.S., Environmental Studies, University of Montevallo, 2021

Why MSSE? Besides the online modality and cost, Savannah chose the MSSE for its flexibility that allows her to focus on her specific interests, rather than being restricted to a more rigid degree plan. 

Pros & Cons: Despite the online setting, discussion posts and group work allow Savannah to connect with her classmates and improve her communication skills around environmental concepts and issues. However, she misses opportunities to get field experience. 

Post-MSSE: Savannah hopes to become a teacher, where she can inspire future generations and make a lasting impact.

Morgan Glover

B.A., Mass Communication, Campbell University, 2003

Why MSSE? With a family and a full-time job, Morgan has long wanted to pursue a sustainability degree and found a home with the online MSSE. She says, “I value UNCG’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and its four-pronged approach.” 

Prospective students need to be organized, driven, and self-motivated, Morgan emphasizes. She says it’s also been a challenge processing the increasing amount of disturbing news around climate and society. 

Post-MSSE: Morgan may choose to combine her background in journalism with her new MS degree to work in environmental communications, or she may find equally rewarding work with faith & civic organizations, developing programs that foster eco-centric values and environmental & social responsibility.