RIT’s environmental science master's degree fosters an understanding of science, policy, society, history, and economics in order to address problems realistically and effectively. The program's curriculum provides you with a deep understanding of the science behind our environmental problems, the complex set of circumstances that impact environmental issues, and how environmental decisions and policies must attempt to find a balance between environmental conservation, human well-being, and economic development. You will amplify your hands-on classroom work with an in-depth thesis or project that provides you with an opportunity to work on real-world environmental problems under the guidance of skilled environmental scientists.

Habitat loss, global climate change, water and air pollution, ozone depletion, species invasions, loss of biodiversity, and the accumulation of toxic wastes are among the many environmental dilemmas our society faces each day. These complex problems pit environmental limits against economic development, diverse cultures, ethics, values, and social stability, and therefore require an understanding of science, policy, society, history, and economics in order to address problems realistically and effectively. Environmental scientists must use integrated and holistic approaches to understand these issues in order to identify sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

The practice of environmental science demands that you become a well-rounded specialists. To accomplish this, you will complete a concentration in one of the following areas:

• Chemistry
• Ecology and field biology
• Economics
• Environmental microbiology/molecular biology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Organismal biology and evolution
• Public policy
• Remote sensing
• Statistics

You also may develop a self-designed concentration in an area of personal interest, subject to approval from an environmental science review committee.

Environmental Science, MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ENVS-601    Environmental Science Graduate Studies I    2
ENVS-602    Environmental Science Graduate Studies II    1
ENVS-795    Environmental Science Graduate Research    3
     
Graduate GIS Elective
3
     
Graduate Statistics Elective
3
     
Graduate Public Policy/STS Elective
3
     
Graduate Science Core Elective
3
     
Professional Electives
6
Second Year
Choose one of the following:    
6
   ENVS-780       Environmental Science Project     
   ENVS-790       Environmental Science Thesis     
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Electives
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
Graduate Public Policy/STS Electives
PUBL-610    Technological Innovation and Public Policy    3
PUBL-630    Energy Policy    3
PUBL-700    Readings in Public Policy    3
PUBL-701    Graduate Policy Analysis    3
PUBL-702    Graduate Decision Analysis    3
PUBL-703    Evaluation and Research Design    3
PUBL-810    Technology, Policy and Sustainability    3
STSO-621    Graduate Biodiversity and Society    3
STSO-710    Graduate Science and Technology Policy Seminar    3
STSO-750    Graduate Sustainable Communities    3
Graduate Science Core Electives and Professional Electives
BIOL-655    Biogeography    3
BIOL-671    Database Management for the Sciences    3
BIOL-672    Computational Statistics and Data Science Methods    3
BIOL-673    Marine Biology    4
BIOL-675    Advanced Conservation Biology    3
ESHS-613    Solid and Hazardous Waste Management    3
ESHS-614    Industrial Wastewater    3
ESHS-615    Air Emissions Management    3
ESHS-755    Corporate Social Responsibility    3
ENVS-615    Aquatic Ecology Seminar    1
ENVS-631    Climate Change: Science Technology & Policy    3
ENVS-650    Hydrological Applications of Geographic Information Systems    4
ENVS-670    Advanced Concepts of Environmental Chemistry    3
IMGS-632    Advanced Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing    3
ISTE-742    Introduction To Geographic Information Systems    3
ISUS-704    Industrial Ecology    3
STAT-614    Applied Statistics    3
STAT-641    Applied Linear Models - Regression    3

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in environmental science, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in environmental science, biological science, or a related discipline.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Three letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Students are strongly encouraged to contact program faculty before applying to discuss thesis topics and research projects. Students are matched with a potential thesis adviser at the time of admission.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000