Program Overview 

Master of Natural Science - Environmental Science track offers a unique master’s degree that is a comprehensive and broadly-based course of study. We offer state of the art science courses in toxicology, ecology, anthropology, environmental chemistry, environmental geology, paleontology, geomorphology, hydrology, and geography. Because many aspects of our environmental problems are inherently societal issues, we also have courses in Environmental Law and Regulation; Culture and the Environmental; Human Ecology; Land-Use and Waste Management; and Water Resources Management. With such a diversity of course offerings and flexible curriculum, each student can design a unique program suited to his or her individual goals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well prepared for careers as government or private sector scientists or policy makers. Many students are gainfully employed as environmental consultants. A select group of graduates has continued to pursue higher level education in Doctoral programs at some of the United States' premier Universities.

Program of Study

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Area 1 Program Core
ENGL 5149G	Grant Writing	3
Area 1 Total		3
Area 2 Program Concentration
Select the following courses unless taken for undergraduate credit:
ENVS 5207G	Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis	4
ENVS 5715G	Earth and Space Sciences Seminar	1
Select one course from Group A and one from Group B; at least one of these courses must include a lab:		7-8
ENVS 5235G	Geographic Information and Global Positioning Systems	4
Group A: Geosciences
ATSC 5117G	Global and Climate Change
ENVS 5165G	Hydrology
ENVS 5255G
GEOL 5135G	Oceanography
ATSC 5175G
GEOL 5215G
Group B: Natural/Cultural Resources
ENVS 5226G	Culture and Environment
ENVS 5315G
ENVS 5405G	Topics in Conservation
ENVS 5206G	Water Resources Management
ATSC 5109G	Environmental Air Quality
Program Electives - Select 3-4 credits from any 5000+ graduate ATSC, BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, GEOL, GEOG with advisor approval 1		3-4
Area 2 Total		21
Area 3 Program Requirements
ENVS 7000	Thesis Defense	0
ENVS 7001	Certification Exam	0
Select the following for a total of 12 credits:		12
ENVS 7999	Research in Environmental Science
Area 3 Total		12
Total Credit Hours		36

¹

May take Environmental Science Seminar for up to 2 additional credits beyond the 2 required semesters.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Columbus State University Graduate School Admissions requirements, all interested applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for admission for all tracks in the Natural Sciences program.

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, demonstrated excellent preparation in the Biological, Chemical, Environmental, Atmospheric, and/or Geological Sciences or permission of the program director.
• Undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  A student with a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale may be considered for admission with a GRE score in the upper 75th percentile.
• A one page statement of experience and interests.
• Two letters of reference. References should come from persons familiar with the applicant's academic or professional experience.

Additional Program Requirements

The maximum course load for a graduate student in a given semester is 12 semester hours. The maximum course load for a student holding a graduate assistantship is 10 semester hours.

Complete original, scientific research and write a comprehensive Master’s thesis based on this research.

Give an oral presentation of their Master’s thesis to a committee of approved reviewers in a forum open to the public.

Successfully defend their Master’s thesis during a comprehensive oral examination.