COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Ecology is designed to provide students with advanced interdisciplinary training in ecology, environmental systems, environmental law, scientific research, and environmental problem solving. The program combines scientific theory, laboratory experience, field-based learning, and applied research to prepare graduates for careers in environmental consulting, ecological management, conservation, sustainability, environmental protection, and scientific research. Students begin with core courses that build foundational knowledge in environmental science, including Environmental Law and Legislation or Marine and Coastal Law, Scientific Literature and Proposal Writing, Environmental Geoscience with Laboratory, Ecological Applications in Environmental Science with Laboratory, and Data Analysis in the Environmental and Biological Sciences. These courses strengthen students’ understanding of environmental systems, ecological principles, environmental regulations, scientific communication, and statistical analysis of environmental and biological data. Students pursuing the Environmental Ecology concentration complete specialized coursework focused on ecological systems, environmental chemistry, wetlands, marine ecosystems, and landscape ecology. The concentration requires Environmental Chemistry and two additional courses selected from Wetlands Ecology with Laboratory, Marine and Estuarine Ecology with Laboratory, and Landscape Ecology. These courses provide detailed knowledge of ecological interactions, aquatic and coastal environments, habitat analysis, ecosystem management, and environmental processes. Students also select elective courses that allow further specialization in areas such as marine pollution, marine conservation and restoration, environmental effects of pollutants, environmental impact assessment, subsurface assessment, environmental microbiology, GIS applications, air pollution fundamentals, environmental education, wildlife crimes investigations, and environmental crimes investigations. The program includes a capstone requirement that can be completed through an Internship, a Research Project, or a Thesis sequence consisting of Thesis I and Thesis II, depending on the student’s academic and professional goals. Students pursuing the thesis option gain advanced research experience under faculty supervision, while internship and research project tracks provide practical and applied environmental experience. Throughout the program, students participate in laboratory work, scientific analysis, and field-based activities that enhance practical environmental skills and ecological understanding. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consulting firms, conservation organizations, government agencies, environmental compliance and policy, ecological restoration, environmental research, and sustainability management, as well as for further doctoral study in environmental science, ecology, and related disciplines.