Master of Science in Environmental Science

Curriculum Options

Many courses feature a prominent laboratory or field component in order to teach analytical and practical skills, while other courses are designed to build research and technical writing skills. The remainder of the course offerings are designed to enhance the understanding of ecology and the natural history of organisms. Many of the courses involve, or even consist entirely of, fieldwork since employers are seeking graduates with a first-hand knowledge of the environment and environmental assessment methods. Late afternoon and evening courses are available and may be taken on a part-time basis. Most courses beyond the core courses may be taken in any sequence.

The Master of Science in Environmental Science is a degree program consisting of thesis or non-thesis options:

THESIS OPTION

The thesis option is a 33-hour program that requires 10 hours of core courses, 17 hours of concentration courses (chosen with the guidance of the student’s major advisor and thesis committee), and 6 hours of thesis research. An oral presentation and defense of the written thesis are required.

NON-THESIS OPTION

The non-thesis option is a 36 hour program which consists of 10 hours of core courses, 23 hours of concentration courses designed under the guidance of the student’s major advisor and committee, and 3 hours of project research. Non-thesis project research, typically limited in scope and with a reduced time demand than the thesis, will be designed under the supervision of the major advisor and committee. An oral report and written report of the completed project are required.