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M.S. in Environmental Science (1-Year Program)

Program Overview:

The one-year degree is intended to provide the credentials and expertise to manage complex environmental issues. The unique combination of faculty at WSU allows students to specialize in areas ranging from environmental quality, ecosystem science and management, and ecological planning.

The MS degree is designed to meet the academic interests of a diverse group of college graduates seeking an advanced degree in environmental science. The Washington State University ESRP program offers students an interdisciplinary graduate experience ensuring that students are provided the level of expertise of a responsible environmental professional.

The MS program serves:

1-Year MS Program Requirements:

Following admission to the Graduate School, a student will design a program of study in consultation with a Masterâs Committee with a faculty advisor as Chair. The program of study is subject to approval by the Program Chair and the Graduate School.

The one-year MS degree is designed to be completed in two semesters and one summer session by students with sufficient prior preparation. Students take two semesters of approved graduate course work in one of four concentration areas. This is followed by a six week summer session special project under the direction of faculty members in the Program in Environmental Science and Regional Planning.

Fall Semester:
Spring Semester:
Summer Session:
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Concentration Areas and Courses:

The option areas are intended to allow students to select from a pre-approved list of courses. Students can individualize their programs of study in consultation with their faculty advisors. Listed below are examples of courses offered that could be included in a student’s program of study.

Environmental Quality (Water, Air, Hazardous Waste, Environmental Health):
CE 515 (3) Environmental Measurements
CE 518 (3) Hazardous Waste Engineering
CE 519 (3) Hazardous Waste Treatment
CE 540 (3) Instrumental Analysis of Environmental Contaminants
CE 562 (3) Water Resources Planning
CE 584 (2) Environmental Microbiology
ES/RP 545 (3) Hazardous Waste Management
Geol 475 (3) Groundwater

Ecosystem Science and Management:
Biol 525 (3) Experimental Plant Ecology
Biol 562 (3) Community Ecology
Biol 563 (3) Field Ecology
CE 540 (3) Instrumental Analysis of Environmental Contaminants
CE 585 (3) Aquatic System Restoration
SoilS 514 (2) Environmental Biophysics
SoilS 515 (2) Environmental Biophysics Lab
SoilS 521 (3) Environmental Soil Chemistry
SoilS 531 (2) Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry
SoilS 537 (3) Soil Biochemistry
NATRS 560 (3) Watershed Management

Ecological Planning:
NATRS 545 (2) Advanced Ecosystem and Landscape Management
NATRS 550 (3) Conservation Biology
NATRS 554 (3) Restoration Ecology
NATRS 560 (3) Watershed Management
ES/RP 567 (4) Advanced Applications in GIS
ES/RP 586 (4) Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
ES/RP 594 (3) Environmental and Natural Resources Issues and Ethics

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