Environmental Science, MS
Master's in Environmental Science
Curriculum
Our students are housed in one of many departments including Agricultural Economics, Economics, Leisure Studies, Plant and Soil Sciences, Natural Resources Ecology and Management, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Geology, Geography, Political Science, Educational and School Psychology, School of Teaching and Curriculum Leadership, Sociology and Zoology. There are over 128 faculty affiliated with the ESGP at OSU and over 70 of these have served as faculty advisors.
Thesis Option
The master’s degree with thesis in Environmental Science is a 30 hour Plan of Study comprised of:
- 12 hours of required core courses (see below)
- 12 hours of elective courses
- 6 hours of thesis
- Thesis defense
Non-thesis option
The master’s degree in Environmental Science with the non-thesis option is a 32 hour Plan of Study comprised of:
- 12 hours of required core courses (see below)
- 18 hours of elective courses
- 2 hours of thesis
- Formal Report presentation
Master of Science (MS) 30 hours – thesis; 32 hours non-thesis.
The above options may also include an oral or written presentation of a research proposal (depending on department and Advisory Committee requirements).
Core curriculum requirements for MS students include the following courses:
- ENVR 5303 Issues in Sustainability
- ENVR 5123 Environmental Problem Analysis
- Natural or Physical Science (3 hours)
- Skills Component (3 hours)
Research and Faculty
The Environmental Science Graduate Program (ESGP) at Oklahoma State University prepares graduate students for careers as environmental scientists. Our interdisciplinary degree program attracts and produces students capable of thinking beyond a single discipline. We work with 30 different departments on campus so our students can choose from more than 200 courses to develop a plan of study which addresses their individual career goals.
Admissions
All students are required to have completed college-level courses that address the fundamentals and principles of chemistry, biology, and algebra prior to admission. Applicants must have achieved a grade of "B" or better in this curriculum in order to be eligible for admission into our program. The recommended cumulative grade point average (GPA) for MS or PhD students is a minimum of 3.0 or higher.
To apply for the environmental science graduate degree program complete the following:
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Submit an application for admission to the OSU Graduate College
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Curriculum vitae or résumé. For PhD applicants, this should include the citation of the completed Master’s thesis.
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A Goal Statement (1-2 pages) explaining how prior academic and professional experiences have prepared the applicant for graduate-level study and how the degree program will contribute to the applicant’s career aspirations and desired areas of competency.
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Three letters of reference. These should be from individuals who know the student professionally, including academic advisors and former professors who can address applicant’s academic record and potential for successful graduate-level work.
An Agreement to Advise Statement from an OSU faculty member who will serve as the student’s advisor and Committee Chair; this can be in the form of an email from the advisor to esgp@okstate.edu. A list of faculty with environmental science research interests is available under the "About Us" menu item. Applicants can be provisionally admitted with a temporary advisor, with the understanding that a permanent advisor must be identified to continue in the program.
Application Deadlines
Spring - September 30th
Summer – January 30th
Fall – April 30th
Cost and Assistance
Many students help finance graduate education through part-time, paid employment as a graduate assistant. As a graduate assistant, you can expand and apply your knowledge and skills under the supervision of faculty or staff.
Assistantships and Funding Opportunities