Environmental Studies, M.S.

Annette M. Watson, Program Director
843.953.5864
watsonam@cofc.edu

http://mes.cofc.edu

Mission Statement

The MES program provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to identify environmental problems without sacrificing the training rigor of a specific academic discipline. The interdisciplinary emphasis is established through a carefully designed set of required courses that provide students with an understanding of environmental issues. The curriculum addresses these issues by teaching students the principles of basic scientific research; by giving students the tools to evaluate the human dimensions of environmental problems and potential solutions; and by helping students examine the role of public policy in environmental decision making.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Environmental Studies program (MES) prepares students to deal with the complex nature of environmental issues through an interdisciplinary approach that capitalizes on the unique faculty and research strengths of The Graduate School of the University of Charleston, South Carolina. The faculty contributes through policy sciences, economics, law, mathematics and the natural and physical science areas of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. In addition, we offer a concurrent program with the Master of Public Administration Program. You can find more information on these programs elsewhere in this catalog.

Admission Requirements

Institutional Requirements

• A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information”  section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Requirements

Admission to the MES program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Students with any major are encouraged to apply, but must have a sufficient background in either the natural, policy, and/or social sciences.

Minimum admissions requirements are listed below. Some applicants may not satisfy all requirements. Every effort will be made to accommodate such applicants through preparatory classes at the College of Charleston. Exceptions can be made on an individual basis, depending on a candidate’s background or experience.

The environmental studies program is governed by a Steering Committee comprised of members who represent the contributing departments.

• An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.000 (on a scale of 4.000)
• A minimum GRE composite score of 305 and 4.0 analytical writing.
• Students must have undergraduate coursework in biology (two courses with labs), chemistry (two courses with labs), and statistics (one semester). One year of another physical or natural science may be substituted for either biology or chemistry. The admissions committee recognizes that some students with exceptional backgrounds and training in other areas may wish to enter the program. These students are encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but should understand that they may be required to satisfy one or more admission requirements prior to or during their time in the program.
• Three letters of recommendation that specifically address the prospective student’s academic qualifications and career potential in environmental studies.
• A statement of personal goals to be achieved by the applicant during his/her time in the program.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: March 1, Priority; July 1, Final
• Spring: November 1
• Summer: March 1

Transfer Credit Policy

A student may request the approval from the program director to accept up to nine transfer credit hours. These courses require a grade of B or higher, or a grade of Satisfactory or Pass.

Program Requirements

• Environmental Studies, M.S.  

Student Learning Outcomes

• Environmental Studies M.S. (PDF)