Environmental Science, Professional Science Master Option, MS
Professional Master of Science
Professional Science Master (PSM)
At OSU-Tulsa, we offer the Professional Science Master Degree Program (PSM) in Environmental Management. This non-thesis degree program has been approved for affiliation as a PSM degree by the Commission on Affiliation of PSM Programs and is the first of its kind in Oklahoma. The Professional Science Master Degree Program differs from other ESGP degrees by providing students a springboard to industry-specific job opportunities. With its regulatory emphasis, the PSM program places high importance on practical problem solving rather than on research; those who plan to pursue a doctoral (PhD) degree are strongly encouraged to apply for our traditional MS degree which results in a thesis.
Curriculum
Master of Science, option in Environmental Science Management Professional Science Master (PSM): A non-thesis, industry-focused degree recognized by the Commission on Affiliation of PSM Programs (PSM National Office). All PSM students are required to enroll in:
- ENVR 5303 Issues in Sustainability: 3 credits. (Taught only in Fall semester.)
- ENVR 5123 Environmental Problem Analysis: 3 credits. (Taught only in Spring semester.)
- ENVR 5510 Environmental Management Internship: 3 credits. Prerequisite: Consent of advisor.
- Natural or Physical Science (24 hours)
Graduate students in the Environmental Management PSM complete 33 credit hours which include 9 hours of required core courses, approved science electives, and an internship that requires spending 240 hours with a company or organization approved by their committee. In lieu of a thesis, the student completes an internship. This experience equips students with practical, hands-on experience for their careers.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee will consist of at least two departments and least two different
graduate faculty groups. Four faculty members are on the committee. The outside committee
member is to represent the Dean of the Graduate College and must be a full member
of the Graduate Faculty
.The outside member may not be from the same department as the Chair. Students create
their Plans of Study with the assistance of their advisor and committee. It must be
completed prior to completion of their 28th credit hour. For more information about
the Plan of Study, refer to the Graduate College.
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. When the letter grade earned in a prerequisite course is less than “B”, the prospective student may be asked to retake the course or take another that will prove proficiency.
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. (Applicants to the PSM program are advised by Dr. Ken Ede
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