Masters in Environmental Studies: Program Overview

Master's degrees in environmental studies are available to students who wish to prepare for careers as environmental scientists. These programs often lead to work in scientific research and can usually be completed in two years or less by full-time students.

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Master of Environmental Studies

Master's degree programs in environmental studies cover a wide variety of science topics, including geology, scientific research and environmental policy. Outside of completing a bachelor's degree program that includes basic science courses, there are no significant educational prerequisites to enroll in a graduate environmental studies program.

Program Coursework

Master's degrees in environmental studies cover a broad spectrum of material; therefore, many schools allow students to specialize in specific areas, such as biology, advocacy or environmental health. Specialized programs may deviate from a school's standard environmental studies curriculum. In addition, environmental studies master's students are typically required to complete a thesis paper, internship or independent study term. Coursework found in most graduate environmental studies programs includes the following:

  • Research and statistical methods
  • Ethics and the environment
  • Environmental policy
  • Ecology and environmental biology
  • Environmental law
  • Resource management

Popular Career Options

A master's degree in environmental studies is required for many of the jobs within the environmental science field. These careers may be based largely in field work and independent research. Environmental science careers that can be attained with a master's degree include the following:

  • Environmental scientist
  • Geologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Laboratory technician
  • Soil conservationist
  • Environmental science teacher

Continuing Education Information

A doctorate is required for some high-level jobs in environmental studies, including teaching at a university level. Doctor of Philosophy programs are widely available, both in broad environmental science and its various sub-sections.

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    • Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
    • Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
    • Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
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    • Arizona (1 campus)
    • California (5)
    • Colorado (1)
    • Florida (2)
    • Hawaii (1)
    • Illinois (2)
    • Minnesota (1)
    • Tennessee (1)
    • Texas (1)
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  • School locations:
    • Illinois (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Illinois include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Physical Sciences
      • Chemistry Sciences
      • Natural Resources Conservation
        • Environmental Sciences
        • Environmental Studies
  • School locations:
    • Oregon (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Oregon include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Physical Sciences
      • Chemistry Sciences
      • Natural Resources Conservation
        • Environmental Sciences
        • Environmental Studies
      • Physical and Environmental Science
      • Physics
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    • New Hampshire (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of New Hampshire include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Physical Sciences
      • Chemistry Sciences
      • Forestry and Wildlands Management
      • Natural Resources Conservation
        • Environmental Sciences
        • Environmental Studies
      • Natural Resources Management
      • Physical and Environmental Science
      • Physics

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