Environmental Science, MS

The 30-credit master’s degree includes 15 credits in core courses about invasive species ecology, environmental chemistry, environmental communications, watershed analysis, and glacial ecology. You have three options for the rest of your program:

• Write a thesis based on original research and take nine credits of electives at the 500 level or above. This is the option preferred by doctoral programs and the environmental consulting industry.
• Complete a project based on library, field, or laboratory research and take 12 credits of electives at the 500 level or above.
• Take 15 credits of electives at the 500 level or above. This option is not recommended if you plan to pursue a doctoral degree.

Graduate students have extensive access to research equipment and space, including labs for preparation and chemical analysis of environmental, biological and geological samples. Environmental chambers are available for experiments requiring precisely controlled environments for experimental study of both plants and animals. And with assistance from the National Science Foundation, we’ve acquired a scanning electron microscope in collaboration with the College of Engineering and an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer.

Some of our other facilities for hands-on work include the Geospatial Analysis and Mapping Laboratory, the Science Computer Lab, the Science Learning Center, the Environmental Interpretive Center, the 120-acre Environmental Study Area, and a greenhouse.

You also can get your hands dirty with immersive activities such as internships, fieldwork, and research with faculty. Put what you've learned into practice and make tangible changes in our community with our community engagement opportunities. Yet more hands-on experiences are available working as a student employee at the Environmental Interpretive Center, a consultant helping other students in the Science Learning Center, or a laboratory preparation assistant.

To be considered for regular admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or an equivalent field from an accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.1.

If you have a degree in another field, you may be considered if you provide a strong statement of purpose, have related career experiences or training, and provide strong letters of recommendation. If you’re admitted, you’ll be required to complete the program prerequisites within one year of acceptance.

To apply, you should include the following with your application:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• A one-page statement of purpose explaining your career goals and specific reasons for interest in the program
• Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from professors familiar with your academic performance
• If your native language is not English, you must fulfill the English Language Requirements for Graduate Admission