M.S. in Environmental Science
Overview
The M.S. in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for various jobs, including environmental project management, regulatory compliance, research, and teaching. Hands-on learning through research and other field experiences occurs regularly, with additional funding available for significant national research presentations.
Environmental scientists contribute to solutions for complex environmental and social problems, including climate change, the environmental impacts of plastics, sustainability, and social justice.
Concentration Options
Environmental Science Concentration
The standard-bearer of environmental degrees, the Environmental Science concentration emphasizes the importance of training traditional scientists prepared for the demands of industry and society. Our program allows students to work with a faculty adviser in the area of their choice, with one-on-one tutelage conducting a thesis project. Students often engage in volunteer and internship experiences, and upon graduation, go on to work in one of the many local, regional, or government environmental organizations.
Social Policy Concentration
With the ever-increasing complexity of environmental law and management practices, the social policy track offers students the ability to familiarize themselves with this system. Faculty covering a range of disciplines and with expertise ranging from local to international law guide students through this degree, and graduates leave prepared to tackle the intricate challenges of today’s policies.
Designed With You in Mind
Upon graduation, students qualify for job positions such as environmental scientist, compliance specialist, project manager, and researcher. Several options for teaching environmental science in public schools and at the collegiate level are also available.
Preparing You to Make a Difference
The Tarleton Center for Environmental Studies collaborates with the TIAER and the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center to ensure the success of students through state-of-the-art research facilities. Graduates of our program will be able to:
- Assess degradation of natural resources
- Restore degraded lands
- Analyze land and water pollution
- Develop or promote policies that influence access to and use of natural resources
Estimated Completion
32 – 36 Credit Hours (2+ years)
Application Process
- Admission to Tarleton State University – Graduate Studies
- Meet Program-Specific Requirements
- Obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Hydrology or any other areas related to Environmental Science
Cost
32-hour thesis track: $12,000 – $16,000 (in-state tuition, books, and fees).
36-hour professional track: $13,000 – $18,000 (in-state tuition, books, and fees).
Locations Available
Department
College
Accreditations
Related Programs
Not what you were looking for? Tarleton State University offers over 100 different degrees and certifications that may be of interest to you, including:
- M.S. Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
- M.S. Biology
- B.S. Environmental Science
- B.S. Biology
- B.S. Wildlife, Sustainability and Ecosystem Sciences
Learn more about graduate studies at Tarleton!
Plan Your Future
Our program faculty are members of various state and national environmental organizations that build collaborative research programs. Students in our program can become active in organizations such as:
And many more!
To ensure that you get the best possible educational experience, our program collaborates with the following institutions:
There are a number of fellowship opportunities for students related to the environment, such as:
Career Services offers students a wide variety of professional development opportunities that can translate into careers. A few of these programs include:
- Business etiquette dinner
- Career counseling and My Plan
- Handshake
- Job fairs
- Mock interviews
- Resume assistance
- Texan Shadow
Request more information about this program in:
Program Objectives
- Provide students with a solid background in environmental science that they can use to integrate their knowledge across many different areas.
- Provide students with technical skills such as the ability to observe, record, and interpret data.
- Students will gain the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Students will learn how to work in a group setting and develop project management capabilities necessary for a career in Environmental Science.
- Provide students with the scientific knowledge and training to better understand and resolve environmental problems.
Coursework Highlights
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL | 5320 | Environmental and Restoration Biology |
| CHEM | 5310 | Environmental Chemistry |
| POLS | 5311 | Environmental Law |
| ENVS | 5310 | Environmental Geology |
| ENVS | 5320 | Issues in Water Resources |
| ENVS | 5325 | Environmental Hydrology |
| ENVS | 5335 | Watershed Modeling |
| ENVS | 5341 | Environmental Site Assessment |
For more information on courses, please refer to the university catalog.
Facilities and Features
The Center for Environmental Studies (CES) works to coordinate environmental research, education, and community outreach activities such as:
- Advising of Environmental Science students
- Partnerships for research and collaboration
- Environmental conservation stewardship
- Education of public and private sectors on environmental issues
- Clearinghouse for environmental-related information
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering research assistance as part of its Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) program. Subject to availability of funding, the Agency plans to award approximately 20 new fellowships.
Over the past three decades, Mills Scholarships have been awarded to students by the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) from funds endowed by Mills Cox, former Chairman of the Texas Water Development Board. This scholarship helps fund graduate students pursuing research in water-related studies at universities in the Texas A&M System.