The Masters of Science in Environmental Sciences (Thesis track) is designed to provide all students with a cross-disciplinary introduction to environmental science. Students are required to complete a Thesis project and all MS core course requirements which include taking one class in each of three categories: Environmental Chemistry/Soil and Water Science, Environmental Policy, Law & Economics, and Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies.

Each student will also take 1 credit hour of Ethics, 2 credit hours of Seminar, 6 credit hours of Statistics and 6 credit hours of Thesis. In addition, each student will normally take courses in their specialty area sufficient to bring the total number of credits to the minimum of 30 required for the MS in Environmental Sciences beyond the Bachelor of Science Degree.  Any additional course work requirements will be determined by the MS Advisory Committee to meet the student's specific program needs.

For MS Thesis Track EVS students there are two public defenses: 1) Thesis Proposal and 2) Thesis Defense of their completed research.  Each of these defenses is followed by an oral examination given by the MS Advisory Committee.  One Qualifying Examination is also required.

A MS level research scientist must have the ability to form a research hypothesis based on previous knowledge in the area, design the critical experiments necessary to test the hypothesis, analyze the experimental data, propose additional experiments based on the data, and come to a successful resolution of the problem. Passing all exams implies that the student has sufficient critical thinking skills to be able to solve any problems that might arise during the research. Students must also acquire sufficient knowledge in the research area and at least one area of Environmental Sciences. Thus, these examinations are important milestones for assessing whether the graduate student has the necessary knowledge and skills to advance toward completion of the Masters of Science Degree (Thesis) in Environmental Sciences. 

Environmental Sciences Non-Thesis (Practicum) Degree

The Masters of Science in Environmental Sciences (Non-Thesis, Practicum) is designed to provide all students with a cross-disciplinary introduction to environmental science. Students are required to complete an Internship external to the university. Students are also required to complete all MS core course requirements which include taking one class in each of three categories: Environmental Chemistry/Soil and Water Science, Environmental Policy, Law & Economics, and Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies.

Each student will also take 1 credit hour of Ethics, 2 credit hours of Seminar, 6 credit hours of Statistics and 6 credit hours of Internship. In addition, each student will normally take courses in their specialty area sufficient to bring the total number of credits to the minimum of 30 required for the MS in Environmental Sciences beyond the Bachelor of Science Degree.  Any additional course work requirements will be determined by the MS Practicum Advisory Committee to meet the student's specific program needs.

MS Practicum students are required to take a Qualifying Examination, complete a final Practicum Report and publicly defend their completed Practicum Report. Passing all requirements implies that the student has the necessary knowledge and sufficient critical thinking skills to advance toward completion of the Masters of Science Degree (Non-Thesis) in Environmental Sciences.

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