Ecology, Evolution, and Earth Systems MS

Major: Ecology, Evolution, and Earth Systems
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0 
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.1310
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code:
 11-9121; 19-1031

About the Program

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field in which we try to understand environmental problems and find solutions to them. This field requires understanding of a number of disciplines.

The program's areas of focus include ecology, biodiversity, conservation, environmental chemistry and assessment, and paleoecology-geology. A student may alternatively craft a specialized plan of study outside of these strength areas under the guidance of an academic advisor.

Additional Information

For more information about this major, visit the Ecology, Evolution and Earth Systems web page.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MS program are judged on the basis of academic excellence and the alignment of their academic interests with those of the faculty in the department.

Degree Requirements  

Core Courses for the Non-thesis MS Curriculum
ENVS 501Chemistry of the Environment3.0
ENVS 506Biostatistics3.0
ENVS 511Evolutionary Ecology3.0
Research
Research
Graduate electives *36.0
Total Credits45.0
*

Graduate electives can be chosen from Biology (BIO), Geoscience (GEO), Environmental Engineering (ENVE), Environmental Policy (ENVP), and Environmental Science (ENVS), including up to 6.0 credits of ENVS 797. Course substitutions may be made with courses from other departments but must receive prior departmental approval to be counted toward the degree.

Core Courses for the MS Curriculum with Thesis
ENVS 501Chemistry of the Environment3.0
ENVS 506Biostatistics3.0
ENVS 511Evolutionary Ecology3.0
Research *12.0
Research
Graduate electives **24.0
Total Credits45.0
*

Thesis students may take up to 12.0 credits of research.

**

Graduate electives can be chosen from Biology (BIO), Geoscience (GEO), Environmental Engineering (ENVE), Environmental Policy (ENVP), and Environmental Science (ENVS). Course substitutions may be made with courses from other departments but must receive prior departmental approval to be counted toward the degree.

Sample Plan of Study  

Without Thesis

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
ENVS 5013.0ENVS 5113.0ENVS 5063.0
Graduate electives6.0Graduate electives6.0Graduate electives6.0
 9 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCredits 
Graduate electives9.0Graduate electives9.0 
 9 9 
Total Credits 45

With Thesis

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
ENVS 5013.0ENVS 5113.0ENVS 5063.0
Graduate electives6.0Graduate electives6.0ENVS 7973.0
  Graduate elective3.0
 9 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
ENVS 7973.0ENVS 7973.0ENVS 7973.0
Graduate elective3.0Graduate elective3.0Graduate elective3.0
 6 6 6
Total Credits 45
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