Environmental Science, M.S.

Today’s increasingly complex technological society has placed new demands on our understanding of human interaction with the environment. In fact, the need has never been greater for highly skilled scientists capable of developing basic data from which far-reaching decisions can be made regarding the intelligent use and protection of our natural environment. Recognizing these needs, the environmental science master’s program provides a thorough background in the biological and chemical fundamentals of natural environmental systems with specific areas of emphasis related to water and air resources, water and wastewater treatment, hazardous and toxic materials including nuclear wastes and basic processes governing the interaction of humans and the natural environment.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission to the environmental science program should have undergraduate majors in the physical or life sciences with strong backgrounds in chemistry and biology. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other scientific or engineering fields may need to complete certain preparatory coursework before starting the master of science program, and completion of such courses may require additional time. Any such requirements will be determined by the program chair and graduate faculty before admission. The prospective student will be advised of these requirements prior to acceptance. Applicants must submit Graduate Record Exam General Test scores for evaluation, a statement of interests, a résumé and three letters of recommendation.

General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview  section.

Degree Requirements

A Master of Science in Environmental Science requires the satisfactory completion of 30 credit hours of required and elective credits based on an approved program plan developed in conjunction with the faculty advisor. Included in the total are 15 credit hours of core environmental courses as listed below and six credit hours of thesis research under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. Students are required to attend the graduate seminar. A student registers for graduate seminar each semester and makes an oral presentation of research results after completing thesis research. A nonthesis option is also available. In lieu of the thesis, the student completes an additional nine credit hours of coursework and must pass a written master’s final program examination.