Environmental Science, M.S., Geographical Information Systems and Applications Concentration

M.S. Environmental Science

STEM Designation: This program is STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)-designated by the Department of Homeland Security. For more information, please see https://www.newhaven.edu/admissions/stem-designated-programs.php

Program Outcomes

1. Express themselves clearly in writing within the discipline.
2. Express themselves clearly orally about topics within the discipline.
3. Use field methods to collect environmental data.
4. Use software programs common to the field of environmental science.
5. Critically evaluate journal articles from the literature.

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 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 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.

Concentration in Geographical Information Systems and Applications

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, the required courses for this concentration include:

• ENVS 6640 - Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
• ENVS 6641 - Geographical Information System Techniques and Applications I
• ENVS 6642 - Geographical Information System Techniques and Applications II
• ENVS 6643 - Advanced Applications of GIS

• Plus 9-11 credits of elective credit from the following courses:

• ENVS 6602 - Environmental Effects of Pollutants
• ENVS 6603 - Wetlands Ecology with Laboratory
• ENVS 6604 - Ecology of Inland Waters
• ENVS 6605 - Marine and Estuarine Ecology with Laboratory
• ENVS 6608 - Landscape Ecology
• ENVS 6670 - Selected Topics
• ENVS 6695 - Independent Study I
• ENVS 6698 - Thesis I
• ENVS 6699 - Thesis II
• ENGL 6659 - Writing and Speaking for Professionals