MS students complete lab or field thesis research, with the goal of developing original scientific research questions to contribute new knowledge in the form of a MS thesis, likely leading to publication of these new findings. This degree typically is a stepping stone to a more traditional research career pathway.
MS Requirements
University master’s degree requirements must be met. In addition, specific degree program requirements are listed in each program.
The graduate study program is developed through discussions involving the graduate student, the student’s adviser, and the student’s graduate committee. The M.S. graduate committee consists of at least three members including the major adviser. The major adviser and one other committee member must be a member of the graduate faculty. The graduate committee must be approved by the ESM Chair.
To encourage the development of interdisciplinary graduate study programs, guidelines for course selection are flexible. M.S. students must complete at least 46 graduate credits.
Courses
- Core courses (one from each core area and selected from program list - 16 credits)
- ESM 507 Speakers Series Seminar repeated 3 times, 1 credit per term (3 credits)
- ESM 509 Practicum (1 credit)
- Quantitative analysis (selected from program list - 4 credits)
- A course in an appropriate field of research methods, experimental design, or statistical analysis, is required to ensure students have sufficient skills for environmental research.
- Area of concentration (12 credits)
- Elective and supporting courses (4 credits)
- Elective courses are to be defined in the student’s program of study, and agreed upon by the student’s adviser and graduate committee. Courses may be selected to provide additional background, to explore new areas, and to add depth to a scholastic program.
- ESM 503 Thesis (6-12 credits)
- A central purpose of the M.S. degree is to teach students the process of problem solving and research. A minimum of 6 credits is required. Students working toward the M.S. degree will be required to complete original research leading to a thesis, which complies with standards established by the Graduate School.
Total Credit Hours: 46-52
Core Courses
Core courses are required in physical environmental processes, ecological processes and environmental management for all master’s students.
Physical Environmental Processes
- ESM 510 Snow Hydrology
- ESM 525 Watershed Hydrology
- ESM 527 Watershed Biogeochemistry
- ESM 560 Air Quality
- ESM 571 Atmospheric Physics
- ESM 579 Fate and Transport of Toxics in the Environment
Ecological Processes
- ESM 517 Applied Watershed Restoration
- ESM 518 Landscape Ecology
- ESM 520 Ecological Toxicology
- ESM 524 Wetland Ecology
- ESM 526 Ecology of Stream & Rivers
- ESM 544 Forest Ecology
- ESM 575 Limnology & Aquatic Ecology
- ESM 580 Coastal Marine Ecology
- ESM 585 Ecology & Management of Bio-invasions
Environmental Management
- ESM 516 Ecosystem Restoration
- ESM 528 Urban Ecology
- ESM 529 Environmental Impact Assessment
- ESM 535 Natural Resource Policy and Management
- ESM 540 Ecology & Management of Wildfire
- ESM 563 Water Quality Policy and Management
- ESM 564 Climate Adaptation: Managing Risks & Vulnerability
- ESM 583 Marine Conservation Science & Management
- ESM 587 Environmental Justice
- ESM 588 Environmental Sustainability