Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.)
GPES

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree is a 39 credit-hour experience aimed at professional applications of environmental knowledge.

1. Core

Required course work: A total of 21 credit hours with the following distribution: 9 credit hours of applied social sciences in the following categories: (i) environmental policy and regulation, and (ii) democratic processes. In addition, a total of 6 credit hours is required in environmental science and 6 in methods courses emphasizing applications of technical knowledge.

2. Area Of Study

A minimum of 12 credit hours of course work in the chosen area of study, as determined by the major professor and study area faculty. Students select a study area at the time of application for admission into the program. Five study areas are available to MPS students:

• Environmental Communication
• Environmental Policy and Democratic Processes
• Environmental and Community Land Planning
• Environmental Systems and Risk Management
• Water and Wetland Resource Studies.

3. Synthesis

Students select either an internship for 3-6 credit hours or prepare a synthesis paper (3 credit hours). All students must present a capstone seminar in their final semester. No terminal comprehensive examination is required.

Applicants with a minimum of three (3) years of post-baccalaureate, full-time professional experience directly related to the intended area of study may apply for 6 credit hours of advanced standing in the program, reducing their degree requirements to 33 credit hours. Partial credit for experience cannot be awarded. When awarded for prior work experience, the 6 credit hours are applied toward the synthesis requirement.