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Department of Environmental Biology
Graduate Degrees

Master of Professional Studies — M.P.S. in Ecological Restoration

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 30 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

Sample Program of Study for MPS in Ecological Restoration

Fall 1
FOR 607 Restoration Ecology  |  3
EST 550 Environmental Impact Analysis  |  3
EFB 642 Watershed Ecology and Management  |  3
EFB 681 Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration and Enhancements (odd years) or Elective  |  3

Spring 1 
EFB 605 Indigenous Issues and The Environment  |  3
EFB 649 Wetland Conservation and Management for Wildlife (even years)  or Elective  |  3
Elective or EFB 502 Ecology and Management of Invasive Species  |  3
Elective  |  3

Summer 1 or Fall 2
EFB 898 Professional Experience or EFB 899 Master Research  |  3
Elective  |  3

Other courses of interest to the students in this program,
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 
EWP 620 Advanced Public Presentation Skills for Environmental Research

 

 

Master of Science — M.S. Environmental Biology

The Master of Science in Environmental Biology is a 30 credit program with two distinct tracks: a thesis option and a non‑thesis option, allowing students to select the pathway that best aligns with their academic goals and career plans.

The thesis track entails a substantial research experience that includes 6–12 credits of thesis research, along with 18–24 credits of graduate coursework (including special research topics and at least three seminars), for a minimum total of 30 graduate credits. Students following this option work closely with a major professor and committee, present a thesis proposal, conduct original research, and complete both a capstone seminar and a formal thesis defense. This track is particularly well suited for students seeking research positions in government, non‑profit organizations, academia, or industry, as well as those planning to pursue a Ph.D., for whom an M.S. degree is often an important stepping stone.

The non‑thesis track provides an alternative route for students who wish to deepen their scientific knowledge and professional competencies without conducting a full thesis research. This option emphasizes advanced coursework and targeted experiential learning. Students are required to complete 27 credits of course work (at most 3 of which can be seminars) and complete 3 credits of either master research or professional experience.. It is ideal for students to advance in environmentally focused professions where research experience is valuable, but a formal thesis is not essential.

Graduates of either M.S. track gain access to a broader range of career opportunities—typically with greater responsibility and higher compensation—than those available with a B.S. degree alone.

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.