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 Environmental Biology Option emphasizes basic research into such areas as conservation, pollution, and global change. This option provides preparation for a career within academics or agencies in specific research areas such as conservation, pollution, and global change. 
• The Environmental Engineering Science Option treats similar issues (i.e., air, soil, and water pollution and sustainability) from the perspective of engineering solutions. This option provides preparation for a career in engineering research or applications. 
• The Environmental Hydrology Option emphasizes fundamental problems of the hydrologic cycle, including water pollution issues, wetlands and watershed hydrology, and hydrologic modeling. This option provides preparation for a career in hydrology and water quality. 
• The Geospatial Sciences Option emphasizes both theoretical and analytical skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing data processing. This option 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.

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)
• Two of the following courses: Biology 1 (BIOL 1100 ); Biology 2 (BIOL 1200 ); Physics 1 (PHYS 1100 ); Physics 2 (PHYS 1100 ).

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 should visit the Faculty Research Interest websites to become familiar with the faculty and their research interests.

• Biological Sciences: https://www.calstatela.edu/nss/biological-sciences/faculty-and-staff-1
• Geography, Geology, and Environment (GGE): https://www.calstatela.edu/nss/geosciences/geography-geology-and-environment
• Civil Engineering: https://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/ce/faculty

Research Track students will need to contact three faculty members via email, appointment, or phone to discuss research opportunities under their mentorship. The applicant will need to list the names of any faculty members they have contacted regarding research opportunities on the application form. If the applicant has already identified a research mentor who is committed to sponsor his/her MS thesis project, that applicant does not need to contact additional faculty members. 

Professional Track students are encouraged to contact 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.

Requirements for the Degree

• 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.

  Learning Outcomes     Roadmap - ENVS MS (2024)  
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