Program Overview
The Environmental Science 4+1 B.S./M.S. program combines undergraduate and graduate studies, allowing students to earn both degrees in five years. The program emphasizes sustainability, field research, and real-world projects, preparing graduates for careers in environmental science, consulting, education, and policy analysis. Students benefit from expert faculty and opportunities to work on environmental issues.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program This combined undergraduate and graduate program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Environmental Science in a total of five years, saving both time and money. The program enables students to obtain an M.S. degree in addition to their B.S. through an expedited process that begins during their senior year of undergraduate work. Students will complete much of their master's coursework during their fourth year while also working on their thesis project. The fifth year will be spent finishing their research and writing their thesis.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of environmental science.
- To develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- To prepare students for careers in environmental science and related fields.
Program Description:
The Environmental Science 4+1 B.S./M.S. program is a rigorous and comprehensive program that provides students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The program's curriculum includes coursework in environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics. Students also complete a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in environmental science and related fields. Graduates of the program have gone on to work as environmental scientists, environmental consultants, environmental educators, and policy analysts.
Outline:
Curriculum
The B.S./M.S. degree in Environmental Science requires a total of 36 graduate credits, including the following:
- A minimum of 12 thesis/research credits (ENV 590)
- 2 credits of Graduate Seminar in Environmental Studies (ENV 599; 1 in the fourth and 1 in the fifth year)
- 3 credits of Research Methods (BIO 503)
- Up to 19 additional course credits (minimum of 12-course credits) Of the 12–19 additional course credits, a minimum of two classes must be offered through the Department of Environmental Studies. A maximum of 12 course credits can double-count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Course Schedule:
Students in the Environmental Science 4+1 B.S./M.S. program will typically take the following courses:
Fourth Year:
- ENV 490: Environmental Science Seminar
- ENV 495: Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science
- ENV 599: Graduate Seminar in Environmental Studies
- Graduate coursework in Environmental Science
Fifth Year:
- ENV 590: Thesis Research
- ENV 599: Graduate Seminar in Environmental Studies
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students in the Environmental Science 4+1 B.S./M.S. program will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects
- Thesis
Assessment Criteria:
Students will be assessed on their:
- Knowledge of environmental science
- Critical thinking skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Research skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The Environmental Science 4+1 B.S./M.S. program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Labs
- Fieldwork
- Independent research
Faculty:
The program's faculty are experts in environmental science and related fields. They have a wealth of experience in teaching, research, and professional practice.
Unique Approaches:
The program's unique approaches include:
- A focus on sustainability
- A strong emphasis on field research
- Opportunities for students to work on real-world environmental projects
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the Environmental Science 4+1 B.S./M.S. program are prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Environmental science
- Environmental consulting
- Environmental education
- Policy analysis
- Natural resource management
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Opportunities:
Graduates of the program have gone on to work for a variety of organizations, including:
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Consulting firms
- Private companies
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have been successful in obtaining jobs in their field of interest. They have also gone on to pursue further education, including doctoral degrees.
University of New England
Overview:
University of New England (UNE) is a private university located in Maine, with additional campuses in Tangier, Morocco, and an online presence. It is Maine's largest private university and is recognized for its strong focus on health professions, particularly in providing healthcare professionals for the state. UNE is also known for its commitment to hands-on learning, career-ready skills development, and a supportive, welcoming community.
Services Offered:
UNE offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic and Career Advising Center:
Provides guidance on academic planning and career exploration.Student Academic Success Center:
Offers support services for academic success, such as tutoring and study skills workshops.Internships:
Facilitates internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their chosen fields.Honors College:
Provides a challenging and enriching academic experience for high-achieving students.Library Services:
Offers access to a comprehensive collection of resources and research support.Office of Innovation:
Fosters innovation and entrepreneurship among students.Registrar:
Handles student records, course registration, and graduation.Office of the Provost:
Oversees academic affairs and faculty development.Student Life:
Provides a variety of resources and activities to enhance the student experience, including clubs, activities, wellness programs, and housing options.Research:
Supports research activities through various centers and offices, including the Office of Research and Scholarship, Office of Sponsored Programs, and research centers focused on areas like aging and health, public health, and the neurosciences.Global Affairs:
Offers opportunities for international study and collaboration through study abroad programs and partnerships with institutions around the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNE provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Students can expect:
Active and supportive community:
A welcoming and inclusive environment where students can connect with peers and faculty.Opportunities for involvement:
A wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities to pursue interests and develop leadership skills.Hands-on learning:
Opportunities for practical experience through internships, research, and service learning.Global experiences:
Study abroad programs and international collaborations to broaden perspectives and gain global skills.Beautiful campuses:
Two coastal Maine campuses and a campus in Tangier, Morocco, offering diverse and inspiring learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong return on investment:
UNE graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a high employment rate and strong career earnings potential.Focus on health professions:
UNE is a leading provider of healthcare professionals in Maine, offering a wide range of programs in fields like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and physical therapy.Hands-on learning and career-ready skills:
UNE emphasizes practical experience and skills development through internships, research, and service learning.Supportive and welcoming community:
UNE fosters a sense of belonging and provides a strong support system for students.Inspiring locations:
UNE's campuses in Maine and Morocco offer unique and beautiful learning environments.Academic Programs:
UNE offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Business:
Business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, and management.Dental Medicine:
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program.Health Professions:
Programs in fields like pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies.Osteopathic Medicine:
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program.UNE Online:
A variety of online programs in fields like business, education, healthcare, and technology.Other:
To enroll in the Environmental Science B.S./M.S. 4+1 program, you must be an undergraduate at UNE with a 3.5 overall G.P.A., and a 3.5 G.P.A. in all math and science courses. You are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) prior to enrollment. However, you must receive sponsorship from a faculty member who will serve as your thesis advisor, and you should begin conducting research on a project that will become your thesis project by your fourth year at UNE. You can declare your intent to enroll in the program as early as the second semester of your sophomore year or as late as the second semester of your junior year.
