Environmental Science, M.S., Environmental Geoscience Concentration

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M.S., Environmental Science

A minimum of 38 - 40 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.

The program consists of five required core courses plus additional courses that may be taken in a specified area of concentration. Note that students who do not choose to concentrate in a particular area are required to follow a plan of study determined in consultation with the program coordinator. Required courses cover common areas in environmental science, while the electives and concentration options enable students to study in a particular area of interest or in subjects with direct application to their current professional situations.

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

Note(s):

*Students select a topic in their area of concentration or in consultation with the program coordinator if no concentration is selected.

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. Concentrations require a minimum of 21-23 credits in addition to the required courses.

Concentration in Environmental Geoscience

Concentration Advisor: R. Laurence Davis, Professor, Ph.D., University of Rochester

Concentration elective courses are chosen in consultation with the concentration advisor in light of the student's academic and professional goals. In addition to the core courses, this concentration requires 21-23 credits selected from the following: