Master of Science in Environmental Science - General Concentration

A program grounded firmly in the University’s commitment to experiential education, the M.S. in Environmental Science program provides students with extensive hands-on learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. Our shoreline location allows students to gain experience working in a variety of settings along the marsh and ocean areas of Long Island Sound — experiences that are complemented by work in our laboratories. Students also have the unique opportunity to study at the Gerace Research Centre on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. With studies in environmental ecology, environmental geoscience, environmental health and management, geographical information systems, and other topics, the program allows students to customize their education to their individual career interests. A minimum of 42 credits must be completed to earn the master of science in environmental Science degree. The transfer of credit earned at other institutions is permitted subject to the Graduate School policy on transfer credit detailed elsewhere in this catalog. Students may elect to write a thesis as part of the program of study. Thesis preparation and submission must comply with the Graduate School policy on theses as well as specific departmental requirements. A thesis is recommended for students who wish to pursue doctoral training after graduation and for those with specific professional interests. For students who choose the thesis option, the selection of thesis courses is determined in consultation with the program coordinator and the thesis advisor, and includes ENVS 6698 - Thesis I and ENVS 6699 - Thesis II in lieu of other courses in the program. Students should note that a number of courses in this program require weekend field trips, lab sessions, or acceptable alternatives. In addition, students should consult the program coordinator for advice on selection of appropriate courses and on assuring compliance with prerequisites. Required Courses CIVL 6606 - Environmental Law and Legislation CHEM 6601 - Environmental Chemistry ENVS 6600 - Environmental Geoscience with Laboratory ENVS 6601 - Principles of Ecology with Laboratory ENVS 6690 - Research Project * Note(s): *Students select a topic in their area of concentration. Students who select the general program rather than a concentration are required to follow a plan of study determined in consultation with the program coordinator. Concentrations Students may elect to pursue one of the following concentrations for the elective portion of the program. As students declare a concentration, they are assigned to the faculty advisor responsible for it, and the advisor helps the student formulate an individual program and the approved electives, which must be selected from at least two other concentration areas. Concentrations require a minimum of 25 credits.