A Day as a Joint Degree: Emma Thornton
Yale’s Joint Degree Program between the School of the Environment (YSE) and the School of Management (SOM) offers an unparalleled academic experience, preparing students to lead at the intersection of business and environmental stewardship. In just three years, students earn both an MBA and an MEM, equipping them with the expertise to tackle complex global challenges through a multidisciplinary lens.
From rigorous coursework to hands-on projects, practical learning, and a tight-knit community, joint degree students emerge ready to drive meaningful change. Today, we’re spotlighting one of them—Emma Thornton (MBA/MEM ’27)—as she shares a glimpse into her journey.
Emma Thornton
Emma is a joint Master of Environmental Management and Master of Business Administration candidate with a passion for integrating sustainability into supply chain and procurement processes. With experience spanning Oxfam, MIT J-PAL, and Ceres, as well as leadership roles at Energy Solutions—where she founded and led the Research & Analysis Team—she brings a wealth of expertise to her studies.
A dedicated advocate for climate action, Emma co-founded Youth4Nature, mobilizing young people to shape global nature-climate policies at UN and IUCN conferences. She has also worked on community-based environmental initiatives, serving as a City of Orlando Clean Energy & Green Buildings Subcommittee Representative and as a Sustainable Farmer with IDEAS for Us.
Emma holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Law and Policy from Northeastern University. When she’s not in class or working on sustainability solutions, you’ll find her exploring East Rock Park, lifting weights, practicing yoga, or diving into the latest pop psychology and science books.
Follow along as Emma takes us through a day in her life as a YSE/SOM joint degree student!
My day started with a matcha latte and a bowl of yogurt with berries and granola in my charming one-bedroom apartment in East Rock.
First class: The Practice of Silviculture: Principles in Applied Forest Ecology
Second class: Engaging Landholders and Communities in Conserving and Restoring Tropical Forest Landscapes
Lunch from the food trucks outside the hockey rink.
Studying between classes!
Last class: Corporate Sustainability: Strategy and Management
I also stopped by Nica’s Market, around the corner from my apartment, to pick up imported Italian ravioli for a potluck tonight.
My friend Nico hosted a cozy potluck at his apartment in East Rock with some YSE friends and their partners. Dylan and Peter brought instruments, and I had so much fun trying to play the guitar and harmonica!
Is the Joint Degree Program Right for You?
For those considering Yale’s Joint Degree Program, ask yourself: Are you ready to navigate the complexities of the climate crisis? Do you want to learn from world-class faculty and collaborate with peers who share your drive to make a difference? If the answer is yes, this program may be the perfect fit.
We’re here to support you every step of the way—from exploring your options to submitting your application. For more information, visit our YSE/SOM joint degree program site.