Human-Environment Relations
The Human-Environment Relations Master of Science program at Cornell University provides an interdisciplinary, research driven environment for students who want to explore how human behavior, built environments, and natural systems interact to influence well being, sustainability, and social outcomes. The curriculum integrates environmental psychology, design studies, sustainability science, spatial analysis, and behavioral research, allowing learners to examine how people perceive, use, and are affected by the spaces around them. With a strong emphasis on environmental behavior, students gain analytical and conceptual tools that help them assess how environmental features shape comfort, performance, safety, and community experience. This integrated structure supports a holistic understanding of the relationship between people and their environments, from workplaces and public spaces to natural landscapes.
Throughout this one year program, learners engage with faculty specializing in human centered design, spatial planning, environmental quality, building performance, and behavioral science. Students strengthen their research capability through empirical study, environmental assessment, and data driven evaluation that enhance their skills in spatial analysis, user centered observation, and environmental measurement. The academic environment encourages interdisciplinary thinking by linking human factors, design concepts, and sustainability principles, enabling students to investigate how environmental decisions influence human outcomes. This combination of scientific rigor and applied study prepares graduates to address real world challenges involving environmental quality, design effectiveness, and human well being.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Human-Environment Relations
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 December 2025
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Environmental Sciences
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
• Foundations of Human-Environment Studies
• Environmental Psychology and Behavioral Factors
• Research Methods for Environmental Assessment
• Elective in Design, Sustainability, or Social Science
Semester 2
• Spatial Analysis and Environmental Evaluation
• Applied Human-Environment Research Project
• Data Analysis for Environmental and Behavioral Systems
• Elective in Planning, Health, or Environmental Design
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program build careers across environmental design, research, planning, sustainability, and human centered consulting, frequently joining environmental assessment firms, design and planning organizations, research institutions, and human factors consulting teams. Their preparation in behavioral analysis, spatial evaluation, and environmental measurement enables them to contribute to building performance studies, user experience evaluations, environmental impact assessments, workplace design improvements, and research focused on human well being. With interdisciplinary scientific skills, they help organizations create healthier, more effective, and more sustainable environments across educational, commercial, residential, and public settings.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent choice for students who want to understand how human experience is shaped by environmental conditions, offering opportunities to develop advanced environmental insight and strong analytical capability supported by Cornell’s interdisciplinary expertise. Through research guided learning, empirical evaluation, and user centered study, learners gain the tools to analyze environmental influences, assess human responses, and design strategies that improve environmental quality and human outcomes. Its focused one year format ensures efficient academic development and prepares graduates for impactful roles in environmental consulting, human centered design, planning, and applied behavioral research.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
