Environmental Science (M.S.)

This interdisciplinary degree is structured around biological science, physical science, and social sciences, allowing for breadth and specialization within these disciplines.  

The master's student develops a graduate program of at least 30 semester hours in consultation with their major professor and supervisory committee. The student is expected to actively participate in one or more seminar presentations during their degree. 

Please see the College of Natural Resources graduate handbook for details and program requirements on earning the Master's in Environmental Science degree.

Master of Science. Major in Environmental Science.

Each student will design a study plan in consultation with an advisor. The study plan is subject to approval by the director and the Graduate College.

There are five requirements for the M.S. in Environmental Science:

  1. Depth requirement: the graduate program is structured around three option areas: biological science, physical science, or social science. A student must complete a minimum of 12 credits (thesis degree) or 15 credits (non-thesis degree) in one of the three option areas;
  2. Breadth requirement: A student must complete a minimum of 3 credits at the 500-level in each of the other two option areas;
  3. A student must complete one course (3 credits) in appropriate research methods or statistics at the 500-level;
  4. A student must complete ENVS 501 (2 credits); and
  5. A student must complete ENVS 500 (6 credits, thesis degree) or ENVS 599 (3 credits, non-thesis degree).

These requirements may be augmented to compensate for undergraduate deficiencies.

The thesis degree consists of at least 30 graduate credits, including at least 6 credits and a maximum of 10 credits of thesis and a minimum of 24 credits of coursework. For the thesis option, at least 21 credits in the option and supporting area must be at the 500-level, including a minimum of 6 hours of ENVS 500 (Master's Research and Thesis).

The non-thesis option requires at least 30 graduate credits, including a minimum of 3 credits of ENVS 599 (Non-thesis Master’s Research) and 27 credits of course work. For the non-thesis option, at least 21 credits in the option and supporting area must be at the 500-level.

For both thesis and non-thesis options, a student can take up to 9 credits at the 400-level in the option and supporting area (one class can be at the 300-level in a supporting area, with committee approval). The thesis or non-thesis research part of the program for each student consists of a substantial project in which the student demonstrates the ability to do rigorous independent work.