Master of Science in Environmental Science

The Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) is a two-year program designed for students who wish to pursue graduate study on a full or part-time basis so that they can balance professional and personal goals. 

Regular admission to the program is extended to students with a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science biology, chemistry and geology from an accredited program who have completed all program prerequisites and a cumulative undergraduate GPA 3.1 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale).  The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required if these conditions have been met.

Conditional or probationary admission to the MSES program is extended to students with an undergraduate degree in some other field if they meet other criteria (completed the GRE, have written a convincing letter explaining their commitment to the degree and have obtained strong letters of recommendation) and can complete program prerequisites within one year of acceptance. Minimum program prerequisites include one year of general chemistry and one upper division course in chemistry – typically quantitative methods analysis or organic chemistry, introductory courses in biology and geology, a field course in either biology or geology, one year (two semesters) of calculus, and a course in statistics.

Each applicant is required to submit official, complete transcripts of prior college work and one-page statement of purpose.  Three recommendation letters are required for admission and at least one must be from someone familiar with the candidate’s academic performance.  Deficiencies in the prerequisite may be made up after entrance to the program.

Students admitted with probationary admission are required to receive a B or better in each of the first two courses they take in the program and must complete any prerequisite courses required for those courses. For example, a student applying to the MSES program with an undergraduate degree in biology may not have completed an upper division course in chemistry. This course must be completed before the student can take CHEM 548, Environmental chemistry.

The requirements for the M.S. degree in Environmental Science can be satisfied by one of three options:

• Plan A. Thesis Option 24 credit hours (500 level or above) plus ESCI 699. A thesis will be based on original research. (Preferred by the environmental consulting industry)
• Plan B. Project Option 27 credit hours (500 level or above) plus ESCI 698. A project will be based on library/field/laboratory research or classroom exercises demonstrating analysis and interpretation of scientific data.
• Plan C. Coursework Option 30 credit hours (500 level or above) (Not recommended for students interested in doctoral degrees).

The non-thesis M.S. program has an emphasis on coursework, while the thesis-based/project-based degree has an emphasis on both coursework and original research. Thesis-based M.S. students will experience the excitement of performing guided research.

The learning goals are divided into four parts including (1) Conceptual knowledge; (2) Communication skills; (3) Critical and independent thinking skills; and (4) Practical and/or professional skills.

(1) Conceptual knowledge. Understanding the underlying concepts and principles associated with environmental aspects of:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geology

(2) Communication skills. Ability to acquire, present, and develop scientific ideas

• Ability to read, understand and use scientific information related to environmental issues
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific information orally
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific information in writing

(3) Critical thinking and cognitive skills.

• Ability to apply the scientific method to evaluate environmental problems and propose solutions
• Ability to use and apply knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to environmental science
• Ability to evaluate information from a range of sources and to engage with some of the current developments in environmental science, including applications and the philosophical and ethical issues involved
• Ability to perform statistical and quantitative analyses

(4) Practical and/or professional skills

• Ability to conduct practical and investigative work in a responsible, safe and ethical manner, and be aware of risk assessment and relevant health and safety regulations
• Ability to initiate, design, conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data
• Ability to obtain, record, collate and analyze data derived from laboratory and/or field investigations, and interpret and report their significance in the light of underlying theory, practical issues and relevant information from other sources