Skip to main contentSkip to footer content
 

Department of Environmental Biology
Graduate Degrees

Master of Professional Studies — M.P.S.

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) program enables students to integrate knowledge and expertise drawn from the natural sciences and other fields related to the students' interests, and to apply their knowledge to solve practical environmental biology problems.

The MPS degree requires 36 credits comprised of graduate coursework credits and professional experience credits. The MPS degree is designed to accommodate a great breadth of student goals and needs, including students desiring additional education following some experience in their field, and science teachers seeking the master's degree for permanent certification. As in all degree programs in EB, the student will be guided through the MPS by a steering committee.

An example of courses our MPS students have taken include:
EFB 502: Ecology and Management of Invasive Species
EFB 542: Freshwater Wetland Ecosystems
EFB 645: Plant Ecology and Global Change
EFB 681: Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration
EFB 693: Wildlife Habitats and Populations
FOR 545: Introduction to Soils
EFB 797: Seminars on various topics 
EFB 898: Professional Experience

Master of Science — M.S.

The master of science degree entails a research-based thesis (6-12 credits of thesis research) in addition to 18-24 credits of graduate coursework (including special research topics and at least three seminars) for a total of at least 30 graduate credits. Students earning a M.S. degree find a much wider range of job options that have greater responsibilities and compensation compared to jobs that require only a B.S. degree. Many jobs at the M.S. level require an ability to perform research. Students interested in research positions in government, non-profit organizations, and academic and industry settings should pursue a M.S., rather than M.P.S. degree. Additionally, although not required by many graduate schools, a M.S. degree is often a key step toward earning a Ph.D. The M.S. student presents a thesis proposal to the major professor and committee who will guide completion of the research and writing of the thesis. A capstone seminar and defense of thesis are required.

General ESF graduate school requirements and guidelines for M.S.*

Doctor of Philosophy—Ph.D.

The doctor of philosophy degree may be pursued directly from the bachelor’s level, or following a master's degree program. Doctoral study culminates in a dissertation (or its equivalent as refereed publications) based on original research. In many cases this work serves as a foundation for future studies and publications throughout the student's career. Research activity is often funded through extramural grants to the student’s major professor. Abundant opportunities exist to gain teaching experience during the doctoral program. A written and oral examination is required to proceed to doctoral candidacy, at least one year prior to the capstone seminar and defense of the dissertation. Of the 60 credits required, 30-48 are awarded for coursework (including special research topics and at least five seminars) and 12-30 credits for the dissertation.

ESF graduate school requirements and guidelines for Ph.D.