Overview
SPEA's Master of Science in Environmental Science Considered One of Top Programs in the Nation
The Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) degree at Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs was one of the first of its kind to be developed. It is considered to be one of the top environmental science programs in the country by the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors (CEDD).
In conjunction with the program, MSES students are able to take advantage of the top-ranked program in environmental policy and natural resources management in the United States, which is housed in the same school as the environmental science program.
The M.S. in Environmental Science bridges the applied disciplines of chemistry, civil engineering, biology, and geology. With flexible degree requirements, it is easily adapted to a candidate's academic background and career objectives.
First Component of the MSES Program Offers Fundamental Knowledge, Skills, and Specialized Area
The first component of the MSES program is the core curriculum of such classes as ecology, environmental chemistry, applied math for environmental sciences, environmental engineering, and statistics, with a selection of courses in environmental policy, management, law and/or economics. Forty-eight credit hours, distributed among four sets of courses, are required. The four courses are science courses, policy and management courses, tool skill courses, and an experiential requirement.
A Curriculum Advisory Committee works closely with the students to ensure that they are following a suitable plan of study. At the completion of this core curriculum, students have a general knowledge of environmental science and management, the skills needed to apply that knowledge, and a specialized area of expertise.
The Second Component of the MSES Program at IU Provides In-Depth Study in Area of Student Interest
Each student completes coursework in a concentration area, which provides more in-depth training in a particular area of environmental science. The coursework culminates in a project-oriented course that integrates knowledge gained throughout the program and applies it to issues related to the student's concentration.
The first area of concentration is applied ecology, which explores topics such as habitat loss, endangered species, and wildlife management. This area's focus is applying basic ecological principles in order to understand environmental problems. Environmental chemistry, toxicology, and risk assessment is the second area of concentration. This area studies chemical pollution and its risks to human health and the environment.
Water resources is the next area of concentration and focuses on environmental issues such as water quality treatment, pollution prevention, watershed assessment, water resource management, storm water management, permitting, risk assessment, wetland reclamation, wastewater treatment, and sustainable urban growth.
Recognizing that some students may have educational and career interests outside of the first three areas of concentration, the MSES program at Indiana University makes allowances for student-tailored specializations that are developed with one or more faculty advisers.
Final Component of the MSES Program Integrates Training within Practical Framework
In order to integrate the academic training of the Master of Science in Environmental Science within a practical framework, students must complete one of three options. They must accept an internship, undertake a significant research project, or complete a master's thesis. Internships must be registered with and approved by the Office of Career Services.
One-of-a-Kind Dual Degree Program Offers Unique Opportunity to Students
The MSES is part of a unique joint degree option within IU's School of Public and Environmental Affairs, which combines the M.S. in Environmental Science with the Master of Public Affairs (MSES-MPA) and prepares students with the training they need to address the complex relationship among people, businesses, governments, and environmental science issues.
Five major benefits of the dual MSES-MPA degree include flexibility, cost-effectiveness, individualized advising, outstanding professional training, and outstanding professional success. Dual degree students must complete a sixty-credit-hour curriculum that includes core requirements from both the MPA and MSES programs. Joint students then have the option to choose one of several concentration areas.
M.S. in Environmental Science Students Gain from the Expertise of the Faculty
The talented Indiana University faculty who are involved in the Master of Science in Environmental Science program are experts in their fields. They work alongside each other and in collaboration with their students in classrooms, laboratories, and research centers. Through support of such faculty, the students achieve greater levels of success.
MSES Program Made Affordable for Students through SPEA Financial Assistance
The School of Public and Environmental Affairs offers financial assistance for qualified students in the form of stipends and tuition remission. These are awarded on a competitive basis and determined by merit. New and continuing students may receive teaching and research assistantships as well as special SPEA Service Corps internships with local agencies. Special financial aid opportunities are also available to qualified returning Peace Corps, Teach for America, and AmeriCorps volunteers.
