Environmental and Sustainability Studies, M.S.

Institutional Admissions 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 Admissions Requirements

Admission to the 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.
• Requires two letters of recommendation, with a third optional but encouraged.
• A statement of personal goals to be achieved by the applicant during his/her time in the program.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: January 15, priority*; July 1, final
• Spring: November 1, priority; December 1, final
• Summer: January 15, priority; April 1, final

*Candidates who submit a completed application by the priority deadline will automatically be considered for Graduate School and/or graduate program funding.