Environmental Science (M.S.)
Basic Degree Information/Description
The College of Sciences offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to the Master of Science degree in Environmental Sciences. The Master of Science degree is awarded to candidates who have displayed an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrated the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their field of specialty.
Degree Requirements
- The Master of Science degree requires a minimum of 36 semester credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (exclusive of coursework or other study required to remove deficiencies).
- For a complete list of degree requirements please see the Graduate Catalog.
Admission Prerequisites:
| Required Degree |
A bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, chemistry, geology, engineering or some other related scientific discipline. |
| Other Degree Requirements |
Additionally, it is required that applicants will have taken coursework in the following areas: 1) one semester in general statistics; 2) one semester of environmental science; and 3) one semester of environmental law, if not taken at the undergraduate level. Applicants lacking these requirements will be asked to complete these deficiencies within the first 12 credit hours. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in upper-division and graduate work is also required. Applicant's evaluations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
Application Requirements:
| General University Requirements |
Must meet university wide requirements. |
| Application |
A completed a Graduate School application. |
| Transcripts |
Official transcripts from all institutions attended. All international transcripts must be recorded in English or officially translated to English. |
| Resume or Curriculum Vitae |
Required.
|
| Letters of Recommendation |
Two Letters of Recommendation are required from persons familiar with the applicant's academic record. |
| Statement of Purpose |
A letter of research interest as well as professional and academic goals. |
| Test Scores |
Not Required. |
| Evaluation of Foreign Credentials |
All applicants including non-U.S. citizens (International), U.S. Citizens, and permanent residents who have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions are required to submit official transcripts along with an evaluation of the transcripts from Foreign Credentials Service of America.
- An approved evaluation requires a detailed course-by-course evaluation. Summaries will not be accepted.
- Foreign credential evaluations must be received by the application deadline for your application to be processed.
- Foreign Credentials Service of America in Austin, TX is the only accepted evaluation agency. They can be reached at (512) 459-8429, info@foreigncredentials.org, or online at https://www.foreigncredentials.org/our-services/apply-now/.
- If you need a request form, please visit the FCSA website to access the form here.
|
| International Applicants |
Must meet international graduate student admission requirements
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
- TOEFL: Minimum scores of 79 or 60 for Internet or paper versions, respectively.
|
| Other |
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in upper-division and graduate courses. |
Career options available for graduates
Our M.S. graduates are employed as scientists in government agencies and private environmental consulting firms. Some of the graduates who complete theses pursue doctoral degrees.
Research taking place in the M.S. Environmental Science program
Research is conducted by faculty in Biology, Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Geological Sciences and includes multidisciplinary topics. Recently completed thesis projects include:
- Andrew Baldwin (2012): The effects of repetitive grazing on schizachyrium scoparium and the role it plays in woody plants encroachment on Texas grasslands.
- Claudia Contreras (2011): Transcriptional analysis of distant signaling induce by insect elicitor and mechanical wounding in zea mays.
- Jeremy Shields (2011): The effects of different sources of supplemental carbon on the growth rate of neochloris oleoabundans.
Funding Opportunities
A limited number of teaching assistantships are available to qualified applicants on a competitive basis. Contact Dr. Janis Bush, Director of Academic Programs in Environmental Science (Janis.Bush@utsa.edu).
Course Scheduling and Offerings
Courses are offered mostly in the late afternoon and evening.
