Duke Environmental Leadership Program

Employer Sponsorship

For Students

Employer sponsorship is one of the admissions requirements for the Duke Environmental Leadership-Master of Environmental Management degree program. Please submit, with your application, a letter written on company letterhead stating that your employer endorses your participation in the program and will grant you the necessary time off to attend classes. Click here for a sample sponsor letter >.

If you are self-employed, or not currently employed, you are exempt from this requirement. In lieu of a formal letter, we would like a statement from you indicating that you have made arrangements for the necessary time off and support to complete the program.

If you have any questions regarding sponsorship, please call our office at (919) 613-8082. We are happy to assist in presenting the program to your supervisor or the decision maker at your organization, agency or company.

Tips to Gain Employer Support :

Provide justification for why you deserve support. Refer to your performance and contributions to the organization.
Demonstrate how the courses and curriculum are relevant to your current position and future direction within the organization.
Emphasize immediate results – since you will be working while studying, you can apply what you learn immediately, adding value to your position.
Explain the format of the program, which allows you to earn your degree, while maintaining a commitment to your job.
Present the program objectives to your supervisor to show what you will gain upon completion of the program.

For Employers

How does the Duke Environmental Leadership Master of Environmental Management (DEL-MEM) benefit a sponsoring organization?

In order to keep pace with the complexity of environmental issues, your employees need to be outfitted with the best tools to meet these challenges. The DEL-MEM offers a rigorous online and on campus program that allows professionals to add depth to their current skills and blend theory with practical experience, without interrupting job responsibilities.

Why sponsor an employee?

By sponsoring an employee through tuition assistance and/or time off, you are demonstrating your commitment to develop and retain talent within your organization. Invest in your future by investing in your employees' professional development.

The DEL-MEM offers key benefits unmatched by other graduate environmental programs:

Relevant Curriculum – students will tackle real-life case studies, containing problems and solutions directly related to their current position.
Immediate Results – knowledge and skills can be applied immediately in day-to-day work.
Flexible Format – allows students to update their education, while maintaining a commitment to their job.
Leadership Development – students are challenged throughout the program to assess and enhance their leadership skills.
Experienced, Diverse Participants – the student body, comprised of high-potential environmental professionals, enables students to network and exchange ideas with colleagues.
Top Notch Faculty – students learn from recognized experts in the field.
Multidisciplinary Approach – the DEL-MEM utilizes Duke’s resources in science, engineering, policy and business to provide a broad perspective of environmental issues.
Prestigious Duke Degree – students graduate with the knowledge, skills and credentials required by leading organizations.

Selected employers of DEL-MEM students and alumni include: National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Siemans Energy & Automation Inc., Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Defense, and various environmental consulting and engineering firms.

More information?