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.
