The Environmental Science and Management (ESM) graduate program provides a curriculum that will develop scientists and managers able to analyze and understand environmental systems, predict environmental change and participate in the management of the environment. Each student conducts research and completes a thesis or project; each student develops depth in a specific academic area; and each student develops breadth through a set of core courses that include concepts in physical systems, ecological systems and management. Areas of primary specialization are terrestrial, urban and aquatic ecology as they relate to human impacts and management. ESM offers the Masters of Science (MS), the Masters of Environmental Management (MEM), and the Professional Science Masters (PSM) degrees. The Department also participates in the Earth, Environment, & Society Ph.D. degree.
The following procedures are designed to assure that the student is qualified to pursue both the program itself and a successful career in environmental science and management.
Admission requirements
Master of Science and Master of Environmental Management
In addition to the instructions for admission to the university graduate program, the ESM MS and MEM programs require the following information from each applicant.
- Three letters of evaluation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s promise as a graduate student.
- Evidence of undergraduate or graduate coursework in biology, chemistry, statistics, physics, and/or mathematics; or policy, economics, geography, or social sciences approximately equivalent to the foundation course requirements for undergraduate students in environmental science or environmental studies.
- One official transcript from every college or university from which the prospective student was awarded an undergraduate degree and/or graduate-level coursework was completed.
- Statement of Interest.
- Current resume or CV.
- Identification of potential advisers.
Prospective students should contact the program for a statement of current admission policy. A high GPA or GRE scores do not guarantee admission to master’s programs in Environmental Science and Management; admission is contingent on the availability of department resources and the identification of an appropriate adviser for each student.
Professional Science Masters
In addition to the instructions for admission to the university graduate program, the ESM Professional Science Master's program requires the following information from each applicant.
1. Three letters of evaluation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s promise as a professional student.
2. Identification of graduate certificates that the prospective student would like to complete as part of the degree, and, as appropriate, evidence that prerequisites for desired graduate certificates have been completed or are approaching completion.
3. One official transcript from the college or university from which the prospective student was awarded an undergraduate degree and/or graduate-level coursework was completed, as well as any transcripts that show evidence of prerequisites for graduate certificates.
4. Statement of Interest.
5. Current resume or CV.
Prospective students should contact the program for a statement of current admission policy. Applicants with a high GPA and/or current professional experience will be preferred for admission. Admission is contingent on the student’s ability to fund their own graduate education.