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
Required Courses
ENVS 401	Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives	3
ENVS 402	Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives	3
Track Specific Curricula		24-25
Research Track Curriculum
Electives
Students choose 12 credit hours of electives from either of the following in conjunction with their advisor:
Natural Science and Quantitative Electives; or
Sustainable Society and Business Electives
Thesis Research
Students take 12 credit hours of research to design and conduct research thesis work under the guidance of a thesis advisor and thesis committee. Research track students are required to complete and defend their thesis to graduate.
ENVS 496	Research
ENVS 595	Thesis Supervision
Professional Track Curriculum
Students choose from one of the following concentration areas: Environmental Law and Policy, Geographic Information Systems, Sustainable Assessment Planning, or Sustainable Business
Electives
Students choose electives from either of the following lists in conjunction with their advisors to complete requirements:
Natural Science and Quantitative Electives; or
Sustainable Society and Business Electives
Total Hours		30-31

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
Natural Science and Quantitative Elective		3
Natural Science and Quantitative Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		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
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		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
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		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
Natural Science and Quantitative Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3

Natural Science and Quantitative Courses

Work with your advisor to choose from our many courses to best advance your individual interests.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
ENVS 420	Conservation Biology	3
ENVS 422	Invasive Species	3
ENVS 423	Environmental Microbiology	3
ENVS 425	Sustainable Agriculture	3
ENVS 426	Agroecosystems	3
ENVS 427	Food Systems Analysis	3
ENVS 430	Restoration Ecology	3
ENVS 435	Ecological Economics	3
ENVS 438	Climate Change and Human Health	3
ENVS 451	Introduction to Sustainability Concepts & Impacts	3
ENVS 452	Sustainability Assessment & Reporting I	3
ENVS 453	Sustainability Assessment & Reporting II	3
ENVS 480	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	3
ENVS 481	Advanced GIS Applications	3
ENVS 482	Remote Sensing	3
ENVS 484	Conservation Economics	3
ENVS 486	Python Programming for GIS	3
ENVS 467	Mammalogy	3
ENVS 469	Field Ornithology	3
ENVS 487	Principles of Ecotoxicology	3
ENVS 489	Ecological Risk Assessment	3
ENVS 491	Independent Environmental Research (upon approval)	1-4
ENVS 495	Environmental Internship	3
ENVS 498	Special Topics (upon approval)	1-12
ENVS 498L	Special Topics with Lab (upon approval)	1-4
ENVS 499	Directed Readings (upon approval)	1-3
BIOL 495	Special Topics	1-4
BIOL 416	Limnology Lec/Lab	4
BIOL 418	Aquatic Insects Lecture & Laboratory	4
BIOL 470	Biostats & Exp Design Lec/Lab	4
MPBH 400	Determinants of Population Health	3
MPBH 401	Environmental Health	3
MPBH 403	Introduction to Epidemiology	3
MPBH 404	Biostatistics for Health and Biological Science	3
MPBH 407	Public Health Policy: Concepts and Practice	3
MPBH 409	Biostatistics I	3
MPBH 412	Data Management and Statistical Computing for Public Health	1-3
MPBH 414	Introduction to Global Health	3
MPBH 421	Biostatistics II	3
MPBH 423	Intermediate Epidemiology	3
MPP 401	Analytical Tools in Public Policy	3
MPP 402	Cost Benefit Analysis	3
MPP 403	Public Budget and Finance	3
MPP 405	Statistical Methods & Analysis for Public Policy I	3
MPP 406	Statistical Methods & Analysis Public Policy II	3
MPP 408	Political Feasibility Analysis	3
SOCL 414	Statistical Methods Analysis I	3
SOCL 415	Statistical Methods of Analysis II	3
STAT 403	SAS Program & Applied Statistics	3
STAT 407	Statistical Design	3
STAT 436	Topics in Biostatistics	3

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		Hours
ENVS 402	Sustainable Systems - Social Science Perspectives	3
ENVS 496	Research	3-12
400 Level Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
ENVS 401	Sustainable Systems - Natural Science Perspectives	3
ENVS 496	Research	3-12
400 Level Elective		3
	Hours	9
Year Two
Fall
ENVS 496	Research	3-12
400 Level Elective		3
400 Level Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
ENVS 496	Research	3-12
ENVS 595	Thesis Supervision	1
	Hours	4
	Total Hours	31

Accelerated Master's Pathway

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
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
400 Level Elective		3
400 Level Elective		3
400 Level Elective		3
	Hours	12
Spring
ENVS 496	Research	3-12
ENVS 595	Thesis Supervision	1
400 Level Elective		3
	Hours	7
	Total Hours	31

Professional Track Curriculum

Environmental Law & Policy Concentration

Traditional Master's Program

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Hours
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
Natural Science and Quantitative Elective		3
Natural Science and Quantitative Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	12
	Total Hours	30

Accelerated Master's Pathway

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
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
Natural Science and Quantitative Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
ENVS 413	Energy Law & Policy	3
Natural Science and Quantitative Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Geographic Information Systems Concentration

Traditional Master's Program

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Hours
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
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
Year 2
Fall
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	12
	Total Hours	30

Accelerated Master's Pathway

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
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
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Sustainable Assessment & Tracking Concentration

Traditional Master's Program

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Hours
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
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	12
	Total Hours	30

Accelerated Master's Pathway

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
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
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
ENVS 454	Sustainability Plan Development & Reporting	3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Sustainable Business Concentration

Traditional Master's Program

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Hours
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
Natural Science & Quantitative Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	12
	Total Hours	30

Accelerated Master's Pathway

Plan of Study Grid

Senior
Fall		Hours
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
Natural Science & Quantitative Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
ENVS 435	Ecological Economics	3
Environmental Elective		3
Environmental Elective		3
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Guidelines for Accelerated Master's Pathways

In Accelerated Master’s Pathways, students share limited, authorized credits between their Undergraduate and Graduate degrees to facilitate completion of both degrees in a shorter amount of time. Shared credits are Graduate level credit hours (400-level or higher) taken during the Undergraduate career and then applied both to the Undergraduate degree and towards Graduate program requirements.

Admission and Matriculation

Accelerated Master's Pathways are designed to enhance opportunities for advanced training for Loyola’s Undergraduates. Admission to these programs is competitive and will depend upon a positive review of credentials by the Graduate program. Accordingly, the admission requirements for these programs may be higher than those required if the Master’s degree were pursued entirely after the receipt of a Bachelor’s degree.

Students enrolled in an Accelerated Master's Pathway who choose not to continue to the Master’s degree program upon completion of the Bachelor’s degree will face no consequences.

Ideally, a student will apply for admission to an AMP program as they approach 90 credit hours in their Undergraduate career.

Students will not officially matriculate into the Master’s degree program and be labeled as a Graduate student by the university, with accompanying changes to tuition and Financial Aid (see below), until the Undergraduate degree has been awarded. Once admitted to the Graduate program, students must meet the academic standing requirements of their Graduate program as they complete the program curriculum.

Advising and Registration

Students in their final Undergraduate year will work with Advising in the home School of their Bachelor's program(s), as well as the Graduate Program Director of the Master’s program. Any 400-level or higher courses that the student plans to enroll in should be reviewed by both advisors to ensure that these courses will complete requirements for both degrees.

Registration in Graduate level courses during the Undergraduate year may require assistance from the Graduate Program Director and/or the student’s current academic advisor to enroll.

Shared Credits

Only courses taken at the 400-level or higher will count toward the Graduate program. At the Undergraduate level, students are restricted to enrolling in and sharing up to the number of Graduate level credits explicitly indicated in the catalog for their selected AMP program.

In general, Graduate level coursework should not be taken prior to admission into the Accelerated Master's Pathway. Exceptions may be granted for professional programs where curriculum for the Accelerated Master's Pathway is designed to begin earlier. On the recommendation of the program’s Graduate Program Director, students may take one of their Graduate level courses before they are admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Pathway if they have advanced abilities in their discipline and course offerings warrant such an exception.

Degree Requirements and Conferral

Undergraduate degree requirements are in no way impacted by admission to an Accelerated Master’s Pathway. Students should not, for example, attempt to negotiate themselves out of a writing intensive requirement on the basis of admission to a Graduate program.

The program’s Graduate Program Director will designate credit hours to be shared through the advising form and Master’s degree conferral review process. Graduate credit hours taken during the Undergraduate career will not be included in the Graduate GPA calculation.

If students wish to transfer credits from another university to Loyola University Chicago, the program’s Graduate Program Director will review the relevant syllabus or syllabi to determine whether it meets the criteria for a 400-level course or higher.

Programs with specialized accreditation requirements that allow programs to offer Graduate curriculum to Undergraduate students will conform to those specialized accreditation requirements.

Degrees are awarded sequentially. All details of Undergraduate commencement are handled in the ordinary way as for all students in the School/College/Institute. Once matriculated in the Graduate program, students abide by the graduation deadlines set forth by the Graduate program. Students in these programs must be continuously enrolled from Undergraduate to Graduate degree program unless given explicit permission by their program for a gap year or approved leave of absence. In offering the option of an Accelerated Master’s Pathway, the university is making possible the acceleration of a student’s Graduate degree completion. It should be understood that students may not request deferral of their matriculation into the Master’s degree program. If students would like to delay their Graduate studies after earning the Undergraduate degree, they may apply for admission to the traditional Master’s degree program. Any application of Graduate credit earned while in the Undergraduate program is subject to the policies of the Graduate degree granting school.

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.

Learning Outcomes

• Deepen your understanding of complex socio-ecological systems and their connection with sustainable development goals.
• Increase your ability to make accurate and ethical evidence-based decisions from scientific literature.
• Expand your capacity to communicate environmental science and sustainability issues to the scientific community, professional colleagues, policy makers, and the general public.
• Demonstrate competence of in-depth knowledge and skills through completion of an original research project and thesis.