Oct 15, 2024  
University Catalog 2024-2025 
    
University Catalog 2024-2025

Environmental Science, M.S.

Location(s): Main Campus


The Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science prepares students for environmental science research, doctoral study, community college teaching, and technical positions in universities, industry, or governmental agencies. The degree offers four options:

The Degree Offers Two Training Experiences:

  • The Professional Experience is designed for students who want to conclude graduate studies with a master’s degree and immediately seek employment in government agencies or industry.
  • The Research Experience is designed for students who want to continue on to a doctoral program for further preparation for work in academia, agencies or industry.

 

Admission to the Program

Applicants must possess a BA or BS degree from an accredited institution in biology, chemistry, civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, geography, geology, or a related field. Applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units who are admitted by the Environmental Science Program are admitted to the degree program in Classified standing. Promising applicants with GPAs in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units between 2.5 and 2.74 may be admitted as Special Action students. Special Action students must achieve an overall grade point average of a B (3.0) for up to three qualifying courses (9 units) after formal admission to the program. The qualifying courses should be completed by the end of the second semester of graduate study. Students who do not have a BS degree or a BS degree in the option chosen can be admitted through Special Action admission, but are encouraged to complete the following courses (e.g., at a community college) prior to submitting their application to the program (Cal State LA course equivalent are in parenthesis):

  • Chemistry I, (CHEM 1100)
  • Chemistry II, (CHEM 1110)
  • Calculus I, (MATH 2110)
  • Calculus II or Biostatistics (or equivalent statistics course), (MATH 2120 or BIOL 3000 or equivalent)
  • Biology I or Physics I, (BIOL 1100 or PHYS 1100)
  • Biology II or Physics II, (BIOL 1200 or PHYS 1200)

Application Procedures

Applicants must  submit a University Application through Cal State Apply. Applicants must prepare and complete the application, personal statement, three recommendation letters, TOEFL or Equivalent (if needed-for International Students only). 

Applicants interested in doing the Research Experience must have contacted two potential faculty research mentors before submitting his/her application. This is a key first step in the application process.  Please note that acceptance into the program for the research experience is contingent on confirmation of acceptance into a research laboratory. 

Professional Track students are encouraged to contact two potential faculty mentors before submitting his/her application.

All materials must be submitted on Cal State Apply on or before the deadline stipulated on the Admissions website (https://www.calstatela.edu/admissions). Official transcripts must also be sent to the Admissions Office before the set deadline.


 Learning Outcomes    Roadmap 

Requirements for the Degree (31 units)


  • A minimum of 31 units are required for the degree with at least 50% from 5000-level courses.
  • A grade point average of 3.0 (grade of B) or better is required in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the degree.
  • A student may substitute equivalent courses as foundation courses upon approval from the Primary Advisor, the student’s graduate committee, and the Program Director.

Core Requirements (17 units)


2. Spatial Information and Computer Actuated Databases (3 units)


3. Statistical Analyses and Experimental Design (3 units)


Select one course 

4. Public Policy and Environmental Management (3 units)


Select one course 

6. Advanced Core (4 units)


Research track students:  complete ENVS 5970, total 4 units.

ENVS 5970: The student is expected to participate in an independent research towards a master’s degree under guidance of faculty.

Professional track students: complete ENVS 5980 (1 unit) and ENVS 5950 (3 units), total 4 units.

ENVS 5980: The student is expected to engage in a one-semester research project to improve basic research skills, and identify placement for internship.

ENVS 5950: The student must complete a part- or full-time internship experience of at least one and a maximum of three semesters.


Option Requirements (9 units)


Students must choose one of four options:

Option 1: Environmental Biology (9 units)


Provides preparation for a career within academics or agencies in specific research areas such as conservation, pollution, and global change. Complete 9 units from the lists below. Other courses may be substituted with prior advisor approval. Courses used to satisfy the foundation requirement cannot be used as an elective.

Option 2: Environmental Engineering Science (9 units)


Provides preparation for a career in engineering research or applications. Complete 9 units from the lists below. Other courses may be substituted with prior advisor approval. Courses used to satisfy the foundation requirement cannot be used as an elective.

Option 3: Environmental Hydrology (9 units)


Provides preparation for a career in hydrology and water quality. Complete 9 units of courses from the lists below. Other courses may be substituted with prior advisor approval. Courses used to satisfy the foundation requirement cannot be used as an elective.

Option 4: Geospatial Sciences (9 units)


Provides preparation for doctorial study or professional career in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which may be applicable to very diversified fields including urban planning, environmental consulting, remote sensing, cartography, applied research, geospatial applications, etc. Other courses may be substituted with prior advisor approval. Courses used to satisfy the foundation requirement cannot be used as an elective.

Culminating Experiences: Thesis, Project (5 units)


Thesis (5)


Research Experience students: complete EVNS 5990, total 5 units.

ENVS 5990  : The students must prepare a Master’s Thesis for submission to their Advisory Committee for approval. They must also pass an oral exam given by their Advisory Committee based upon their Master’s thesis research.

Project (5 units)


Professional Experience students:  complete the EVNS 5995, total 5 units.

​​​​​​​ENVS 5995  : Based on their internship experience, the students will be required to submit a written report. This report will be approved by their Advisory Committee, which consists of their primary advisor, graduate committee members, and internship advisor(s).