The SES Master of Science in Environmental Science & Sustainability takes a whole-systems, interdisciplinary approach to global environmental and sustainability challenges. The program offers a choice of two tracks, Research and Professional, and can be pursued by students of any academic background.
Students in both tracks will complete 30 credit hours of instruction, including 6 credit hours in two core courses. Research Track students will pursue an original, in-depth research project, culminating in the writing and defending of a thesis. Professional Track students will complete coursework in one of four professional concentration areas, Environmental Law & Policy, Geographic Information Systems, Sustainable Assessment & Planning and Sustainable Business.
The SES Master of Science in Environmental Science & Sustainability takes a whole-systems, interdisciplinary approach to global environmental and sustainability challenges. The program offers a choice of two tracks, Research and Professional, and can be pursued by students of any academic background.
Students in both tracks will complete 30 credit hours of instruction, including 6 credit hours in two core courses. Research Track students will pursue an original, in-depth research project, culminating in the writing and defending of a thesis. Professional Track students will complete coursework in one of four professional concentration areas, Environmental Law & Policy, Geographic Information Systems, Sustainable Assessment & Planning and Sustainable Business.
The Public Service Leadership (MA) also offers an Accelerated Master's Pathway for Undergraduate students to complete their Graduate studies in a fifth year. Further details of the AMP, including the suggested sequence of courses, can be found under the Curriculum tab.
The SES Master of Science in Environmental Science & Sustainability takes a whole-systems, interdisciplinary approach to global environmental and sustainability challenges. The program offers a choice of two tracks, Research and Professional, and can be pursued by students of any academic background.
Students in both tracks will complete 30 credit hours of instruction, including 6 credit hours in two core courses. Research Track students will pursue an original, in-depth research project, culminating in the writing and defending of a thesis. Professional Track students will complete coursework in one of four professional concentration areas, Environmental Law & Policy, Geographic Information Systems, Sustainable Assessment & Planning and Sustainable Business.
The Environmental Science and Sustainability (MS) also offers an Accelerated Master's Pathway for Undergraduate students to complete their Graduate studies in a fifth year. Further details of the AMP, including the suggested sequence of courses, can be found under the Curriculum tab.
Related Programs
Curriculum
The Environmental Science and Sustainability (MS) is a 30 credit hour program.
Besides the traditional Master's program, the Environmental Science and Sustainability (MS) is also offered as an Accelerated Master's Pathway where exceptional students can complete the program in a fifth year. A suggested sequence for the AMP can be found below.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ENVS 401 | Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives | 3 |
| ENVS 402 | Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives | 3 |
| |
| |
| |
| Research | |
| Thesis Supervision | |
| |
| |
| |
| Total Hours | 30 |
Professional Track Curriculum Concentrations
Environmental Law and Policy
This Concentration provides essential knowledge in relevant areas of environmental law and policy for professionals who want to better understand the role of government, industry, non-profit, and other institutions involved in environmental advocacy, consulting, and compliance.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ENVS 410 | Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy | 3 |
| ENVS 411 | Natural Resources and Land Use Law & Policy | 3 |
| ENVS 412 | Water Law & Policy | 3 |
| ENVS 413 | Energy Law & Policy | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
This Concentration provides essential knowledge on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - a compilation of sophisticated, multidimensional software and tools used to capture, store, analyze, manage and present geospatial data. This curriculum provides essential training in the fundamental principles and concepts behind contemporary geographic mapping technology needed to solve complex geospatial problems commonly encountered in environmental sciences, urban planning, social sciences, public health, as well as business, engineering, and many more fields.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ENVS 480 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| ENVS 486 | Python Programming for GIS | 3 |
| ENVS 481 | Advanced GIS Applications | 3 |
| ENVS 482 | Remote Sensing | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
Sustainable Assessment & Planning
This Concentration delivers valuable skills for professionals who want to better understand how organizations can - and do – measure, regulate and report their own natural resource use. Students will develop essential skills used by sustainability professionals in government, industry, non-profit, and other institutions striving to improve and document their sustainability impact.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ENVS 451 | Introduction to Sustainability Concepts & Impacts | 3 |
| ENVS 452 | Sustainability Assessment & Reporting I | 3 |
| ENVS 453 | Sustainability Assessment & Reporting II | 3 |
| ENVS 454 | Sustainability Plan Development & Reporting | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
Sustainable Business
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ENVS 433 | Introduction to the Circular Economy | 3 |
| ENVS 435 | Ecological Economics | 3 |
| ENVS 436 | Design for Circular & Sustainable Business | 3 |
| ENVS 463 | Sustainable Business Management | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
Natural Science and Quantitative Courses
Work with your advisor to choose from our many courses to best advance your individual interests.
Sustainable Society and Business Electives
Work with your advisor to choose from our many courses to best advance your individual interests.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ENVS 410 | Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy | 3 |
| ENVS 411 | Natural Resources and Land Use Law & Policy | 3 |
| ENVS 412 | Water Law & Policy | 3 |
| ENVS 413 | Energy Law & Policy | 3 |
| ENVS 433 | Introduction to the Circular Economy | 3 |
| ENVS 436 | Design for Circular & Sustainable Business | 3 |
| ENVS 454 | Sustainability Plan Development & Reporting | 3 |
| ENVS 463 | Sustainable Business Management | 3 |
| ENVS 483 | Human Dimensions of Conservation | 3 |
| ENVS 491 | Independent Environmental Research (upon approval) | 1-4 |
| ENVS 495 | Environmental Internship | 3 |
| ENVS 498 | Special Topics (upon approval) | 1-12 |
| ENVS 499 | Directed Readings (upon approval) | 1-3 |
| MPBH 407 | Public Health Policy: Concepts and Practice | 3 |
| MPP 400 | Policy Design and Analysis | 3 |
| MPP 404 | Public Policy Process | 3 |
| PSYC 460 | Social Psychological Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 461 | Attitude and Attitude Change | 3 |
| PSYC 486 | Methods of Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SOCL 412 | Qualitative Methods in Social Research | 3 |
| SOCL 446 | Knowledge, Power & Expertise | 3 |
| SOCL 463 | Sociology & Natural Environment | 3 |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Research Track Curriculum
Traditional Master's Program
Plan of Study Grid
| Year One |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 496 |
Research |
3-12 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 496 |
Research |
3-12 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Year Two |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 496 |
Research |
3-12 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 496 |
Research |
3-12 |
| ENVS 595 |
Thesis Supervision |
0 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Accelerated Master's Pathway
Plan of Study Grid
| Senior |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 496 |
Research |
3-12 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 496 |
Research |
3-12 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Master's |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 496 |
Research |
3-12 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 12 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 496 |
Research |
3-12 |
| ENVS 595 |
Thesis Supervision |
0 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Professional Track Curriculum
Environmental Law & Policy Concentration
Traditional Master's Program
Plan of Study Grid
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 410 |
Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy |
3 |
| ENVS 411 |
Natural Resources and Land Use Law & Policy |
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 412 |
Water Law & Policy |
3 |
| ENVS 413 |
Energy Law & Policy |
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 12 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Accelerated Master's Pathway
Plan of Study Grid
| Senior |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 410 |
Introduction to Environmental Law & Policy |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 412 |
Water Law & Policy |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Master's |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 411 |
Natural Resources and Land Use Law & Policy |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 413 |
Energy Law & Policy |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Geographic Information Systems Concentration
Traditional Master's Program
Plan of Study Grid
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 480 |
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
3 |
| ENVS 482 |
Remote Sensing |
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 481 |
Advanced GIS Applications |
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 12 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Accelerated Master's Pathway
Plan of Study Grid
| Senior |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 480 |
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 481 |
Advanced GIS Applications |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Master's |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 482 |
Remote Sensing |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Sustainable Assessment & Tracking Concentration
Traditional Master's Program
Plan of Study Grid
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 451 |
Introduction to Sustainability Concepts & Impacts |
3 |
| ENVS 452 |
Sustainability Assessment & Reporting I |
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 453 |
Sustainability Assessment & Reporting II |
3 |
| ENVS 454 |
Sustainability Plan Development & Reporting |
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 12 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Accelerated Master's Pathway
Plan of Study Grid
| Senior |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 451 |
Introduction to Sustainability Concepts & Impacts |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 452 |
Sustainability Assessment & Reporting I |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Master's |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 453 |
Sustainability Assessment & Reporting II |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 454 |
Sustainability Plan Development & Reporting |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Sustainable Business Concentration
Traditional Master's Program
Plan of Study Grid
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 433 |
Introduction to the Circular Economy |
3 |
| ENVS 463 |
Sustainable Business Management |
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 436 |
Design for Circular & Sustainable Business |
3 |
| ENVS 435 |
Ecological Economics |
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 12 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Accelerated Master's Pathway
Plan of Study Grid
| Senior |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 401 |
Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 433 |
Introduction to the Circular Economy |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 402 |
Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives |
3 |
| ENVS 436 |
Design for Circular & Sustainable Business |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Master's |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENVS 463 |
Sustainable Business Management |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENVS 435 |
Ecological Economics |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| | Total Hours | 30 |
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
