Overview
The Master of Environmental Studies Program Focuses on Environmental Policy and Environmental Science Course Work
The Master of Environmental Studies program at the College of Charleston is perhaps one of the most specialized, and it is quite pertinent to the coastal waters and environment that surround the campus. This course of study focuses on interdisciplinary environmental problems, and students are presented with course work in both environmental policy and environmental science, which includes biology, geology, and physics-based theses.
In order to complete degree requirements, graduate students also attend two semesters of graduate seminars and enroll in a case studies course. This master's degree program focuses on the resources, development, and planning issues of modern society and how they impact the surrounding environment. A combined core and elective curriculum includes special areas of study, such as coastal and wetlands management, environmental planning and hazards, and real-world training.
Students also have the option to produce either a thesis or internship study to complete their requirements for the MES program. These are complemented and combined with course work from five different departments: biology, geology and environmental geosciences, mathematics, physics and astronomy, and political science.
Core and elective course work for the program includes Policy Analysis, Administrative Law, Public Administration, Biology of Marine Organisms, Administrative Ethics, Biology of Coral Reefs, Conservation Biology, Wetlands Policy, Hydrogeology, and Urban Planning. Transfer students may have the option to include former credit hours completed, and students may also pursue independent study programs.
In addition to the required curriculum, several research opportunities exist alongside the faculty of the MES program for students hoping to gain the most well rounded education possible. Many faculty members express their own unique preferred areas of interest, including coastal ecology, sea turtle rehabilitation, genetics, pesticides, coastal management, ecology of coral reefs, and organically grown crop physiology and culture. These types of research projects are constantly being pursued by College of Charleston faculty, and students may have the option to use assistantship openings for independent study credits.
Admission to the Master of Environmental Studies program requires official GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, completion of undergraduate prerequisites, and a completed application with former transcripts.
College of Charleston Graduate Students Enjoy Internship Opportunities Preparing Them for Exciting Jobs Upon Graduation
During completion of the requirements to be awarded a Master of Environmental Studies from the College of Charleston, students have the option to utilize an internship study option versus the thesis option. In order to expand their learning opportunities and work experience, students pursue an internship under advisement of a chosen faculty member. The student finds and arranges his or her own internship that may be approved after submitting an internship proposal. The program calls for the completion of 600 working hours in the approved internship opportunity, as well as the submission of a related academic assignment. This combination equates to completing 6 credit hours toward the student's MES.
Many of these internship programs eventually lead to permanent employment after graduation, and also further prepare the student for work in a practical environment. Many of these jobs, both during and after a student's enrollment, are found with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, multiple university marine sciences departments, research laboratories, oceanography research foundations, and environmental education programs.
The College of Charleston Offers a High-Quality and Affordable Graduate Education in the Midst of a Historical Campus
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston offers the public a highly sought-after liberal arts and sciences education. Surrounded by the beauty of the city of Charleston, the college is known as a top formal university for quality education, enjoyable student life, and affordability. Its esteemed graduate program that results in a master's degree in environmental studies is acclaimed for the ideal coastal location that contributes directly to the hands-on learning that has become so valuable to the students' education.
Students Enjoy an Urban Setting and Teaching Atmosphere in the Historical City of Charleston, South Carolina
While College of Charleston's campus is both beautiful and historic, it offers modern facilities and cutting-edge programs of study. A diverse student body contributes to the unique atmosphere found on the urban and mid-sized college campus that caters to many local and nonresident graduate students.
The added benefits that the city of Charleston offers the college's graduate students include multiple teaching and learning opportunities while contributing to local businesses and the depth of local culture. Coastal waters and industry-specific operations provide a living and breathing laboratory full of science, teaching, humanities, and arts opportunities.
When not in class, students enjoy Charleston's history, culture, architecture, and coastal location, complete with serene beaches for extracurricular enjoyment. Unique shopping and local cuisine also provide an ideal place to live and work upon graduation. Known as South Carolina's pride and joy, this city attracts visitors from the world over to explore its many beaches and tourist attractions, theme parks, and natural oases.
