Environment

The MA degree in Environmental Studies prepares students to address complex environmental problems using a highly interdisciplinary approach and significant student-faculty design of the course of study. Students gain proficiency in critical analysis, development, conservation, and management frameworks of environmental studies for careers in business, government, planning, consulting, teaching, and research.

The purpose of the Marine and Estuarine Science program (MESP) is to provide a coherent program of study in coastal marine and estuarine sciences at the M.S. level. This program focuses resources of existing Master's programs in the College of the Environment and the Department of Biology. It is a research-oriented program in the marine and estuarine sciences. Human impact on coastal marine and estuarine systems cannot be properly evaluated without a scientific understanding of their fundamental physical, chemical, and biological processes.

The Environmental Sciences program prepares future professionals to deal with the complex array of environmental problems, by bringing together various disciplinary insights and skills. We will develop scientists who can analyze environmental changes and participate in management decisions. Our scientists will be able to respond to public demands for greater protection of environmental quality by developing and using state-of the-art tools and techniques for evaluation, management, remediation and restoration. Program specializations include: Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Energy-Environmental Systems Those interested in a Marine and Estuarine Science specialization should apply to the MESP Environmental Science program.

The Data Science for Environmental Applications Certificate is a nine-month online program geared towards those pursuing a career in data analysis and modeling. Environmental professionals need to be able to make sense of large and complex data. Learning to handle, visualize, analyze, and make predictions with big data is a prerequisite for careful decision-making in agencies, non-governmental organizations, and consulting.

The Marine and Estuarine Science Program (MESP) is a specialization within the Environmental Science and Biology programs and is jointly offered by the Department of Biology, College of the Environment, and Shannon Point Marine Center. Students graduating from the program will have an understanding of coastal marine and estuarine environments, biota and topical management issues, and fundamental biological and chemical oceanographic processes. Please see the MESP program website for differences in program requirements for MESP specialization in Biology versus Environmental Science.

The Master of Science in Biology is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge in advanced biology and the opportunity to conduct creative and independent research. Each student develops a flexible course of study individually arranged to meet his or her specific needs and objectives. A major professor and two other faculty members serve to direct and advise each graduate student in research and writing a thesis. Faculty in related departments such as Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, and Mathematics may serve on thesis committees, enabling graduate students to pursue interdisciplinary research. Two years are usually needed for completion of the program of study. Thesis research ranges over a broad spectrum of topics reflecting the strengths and interests of the Biology Graduate Faculty.