Master of Science in Environmental Science and Biology

Description

Environmental problems are among the most urgent issues facing our civilization. In order to manage Earth's environment well, we must understand the processes that shape its surface; control the chemistry of the air, water and soil; and produce and maintain the biological and other resources upon which humans depend. We must also understand the interactions of animals, plants and other living organisms with their physical and chemical environments, or their ecology. The environmental science curriculum includes both a common core and an individual course of study that allows MS candidates to develop conceptual knowledge and technical skills to use the disciplines of ecology, chemistry and the earth sciences to understand and solve environmental problems. Thus, fields of study like "green" and water chemistry, watershed analysis, limnology, fisheries and wildlife science and management, conservation biology, ecosystem ecology and global change, wetlands, and aquaculture are encompassed in this degree program. The MS in environmental science and biology is a demanding, thesis-based experience. The curriculum is designed to challenge students to think critically, independently and creatively, while providing the intellectual depth and breadth necessary to support the research formally developed in the thesis proposal. Graduates in the areas of biological and earth sciences and chemistry with a focus on environmental science have been very successful gaining admission to doctoral programs or finding professional employment in one of the environmental sciences.

Admission to the Program

Each student pursuing the MS is supervised by a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Science and Biology, or by an "associate" faculty member from the Departments of the Earth Sciences or Chemistry. The thesis advisor monitors the student's academic progress and is responsible for directing the student's academic program, including the thesis proposal, oral comprehensive examination, thesis project, and thesis defense. Whether or not the applicant can be accepted will depend on his or her credentials and intended area of specialization, and the ability of a faculty member to accept a new MS advisee. Before a student is admitted to the MS program in environmental science and biology, a faculty member must be willing to serve as the student's thesis advisor.

For more information about applying for graduate study at The College at Brockport, please contact the Graduate School.

Program Requirements

The MS program in environmental science and biology is designed so that the student can complete all coursework in two years. The program requires a minimum of 30 credits.

Required Courses

ENV614
ENV704
ENV705

Notes: ENV 705 (Graduate Research Seminar) is taken twice in two separate semesters during the first four semesters after matriculation for a total of two credits. ENV 704 (Thesis) is taken in the second, third or fourth semester after matriculation for one to six credits.

The remaing elective credits are selected according to students' research interests and documented in each student's Plan of Study.

Other Requirements

Establish a Thesis Advisory Committee early in the first semester after matriculation.
Complete a Graduate Plan of Study, as determined by the Thesis Advisory Committee in consultation with the candidate, by the end of the first semester after matriculation.
Complete a Thesis Research Proposal acceptable to the Thesis Advisory Committee by the end of second semester after matriculation before thesis research begins.
Successfully complete an Oral Comprehensive Examination, administered by the Thesis Advisory Committee, by the end of the third semester after matriculation.
A minimum of 15 credits at the 600- and 700-level.
A minimum of 30 credits of graduate credit with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all graduate courses taken at The College at Brockport.
Successfully complete a Defense of the written thesis administered by the Thesis Advisory Committee.
Submit five properly formatted copies on approved paper of the successfully defended thesis to the department secretary.

Department of Environmental Science and Biology

Department Chair: Christopher Norment
Location: Lennon 105
Visit Website
Email: ddilker@brockport.edu
Phone: (585) 395-5975
Fax: (585) 395-5969

Related Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Faculty & Staff

Kathryn L Amatangelo Ph.D
(Stanford University)
Assistant Professor

Deborah A Dilker BS
(SUNY Empire State College)
Secretary 1

Andrea Graham BS
(Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus)
Teaching Assistant

James M Haynes Ph.D
(University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities)
Professor

Chris Hays BS
(Paul Smiths College Of Arts And Science)
Teaching Assistant

Theodore Lewis BS
(SUNY Brockport)
Research Scientist

Joseph C Makarewicz Ph.D
(Cornell University)
Distinguished Service Professor

Hilary R Mosher MS
(SUNY College At Brockport)
Instructional Support Technician

Bradley M Mudrzynski MS
(SUNY College At Brockport)
Adjunct Lecturer

Bradley M Mudrzynski MS
Research Scientist/Adjunct Lecturer

Christopher J Norment Ph.D
(University Of Kansas Main Campus)
Professor and Chair

Norma A Polizzi JD
(SUNY At Buffalo)
Adjunct Lecturer

Jacques J Rinchard Ph.D
(University of Namur)
Associate Professor

Douglas A Wilcox Ph.D
(Purdue University-Main Campus)
E. I. Prof. of Wetland Science