Academics · Graduate & Seminary

Master of Science

Environmental Science

Research real environmental challenges, with hands-on lab work and a thesis, in a hybrid format.

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  • Credit hours36
  • FormatHybrid
  • Plan of studyTwo years, with thesis
  • GPA to apply2.5
About the Program

Science that protects the world we share.

The program blends academic coursework with hands-on fieldwork and research, focused on sustainability, conservation, and innovative problem-solving.

  • Train on advanced toolsHands-on training with Allen’s Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in material characterization and scientific imaging.
  • Do real researchThrough a partnership with scientists at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), students can join real-world research projects.
  • Shape policyEnvironmental policy and law, analysis, and modeling.
  • Earn a thesisTwo semesters of thesis research to finish your degree.
Plan of Study

Two years. Twelve courses. A thesis of your own.

Three courses each semester, building to two semesters of thesis research.

  1. Year 1

    Fall Semester

    • BIO 501 Professional Science Communication
    • CHM 502 Environmental Chemistry
    • BIO 503 Applied Statistics
    9 credit hours
  2. Year 1

    Spring Semester

    • ENV 504 Environmental Policy & Law
    • BIO 505 Ecology
    • ENV 506 Methods of Environmental Analysis
    9 credit hours
  3. Year 2

    Fall Semester

    • ENV 511 Integrative Environmental Science
    • ENV 508 Principles of Bioremediation (or elective)
    • BIO 598 Thesis Research I
    9 credit hours
  4. Year 2

    Spring Semester

    • BIO 514 Environmental Microbiology
    • ENV 510 Environmental Modeling (or elective)
    • BIO 599 Thesis Research II
    9 credit hours

36 credit hours total over four semesters, including two semesters of thesis research.

How to Apply

Your application checklist.

  1. Completed online application
  2. Official bachelor’s transcripts from an accredited institution (and any graduate work)
  3. Minimum 2.5 GPA
  4. Personal statement
  5. Professional résumé or CV
  6. Three letters of recommendation
  7. $150 application fee
Good to Know

Policies, in plain English.

  • Transfer up to 9 creditsGraduate courses with a B or higher, from a regionally accredited school, within the last seven years, that apply to your program.
  • B or better in every courseA grade below B means repeating the course. Two below B leads to academic probation.
  • Seven years to finishComplete all requirements within seven years, with a 3.0 overall GPA.
  • Stay on trackGraduate Satisfactory Academic Progress requires a 2.80 GPA through 18 hours, then 3.00.

Requirements are from the graduate section of the Academic Catalog. Admissions can confirm current requirements.

Cost & Ways to Pay · 2026–2027

Know the numbers before you start.

  • Full-time graduate tuition$6,688per semester, before fees
  • Resource & Technology Fee$1,091per semester
  • ScholarshipsAvailablegenerous scholarships for eligible students

Rates are the 2026–2027 published full-time graduate rates. Books, lab costs, and aid aren’t included. See the full cost of attendance, or confirm your costs with the Business Office.

Where It Can Lead

Careers Environmental Science graduates pursue.

Explore real career paths, with pay and job outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Career information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Some roles require experience in addition to a degree.

Questions?

Talk with us about Environmental Science.

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